East Siang district General information

The East Siang District is a wild mountainous area and presents a remarkable topographical variety.

History

East Siang name Derived from the Mighty Siang River, the District is the home of the Adi tribe, and is a land of eternal beauty. Often called as the 'gateway to Arunachal Pradesh' the place is worth a visit to have rendezvous with mother Nature in her purest form.


Geography

The East Siang District is a wild mountainous area and presents a remarkable topographical variety. The District has an area of 4005 sq.km. and is lying approximately between 27º 43' and 29º20' North latitudes and 94º 42' and 95º 35' East latitudes


People

The East Siang District is mostly populated by the Adi tribe which comprise of a large number of tribal groups and can be divided into various subgroups such as the Minyongs, Padams, Shimongs, Milangs, Pasis, Karkos, Ashings, Pangis, Tangmas and Boris. Taken as a whole, the Adis belong to the Astro-Mongolide race, are good looking, sturdy and vigorous. According to Griession's linguistic classification, the language spoken in East Siang District are put together under the North-Assam group of the Tibeto-Burmese group. There are various theories regarding the original home of the Adis; however it seems probable that they came to their present habitat from the north, i.e., Tibet. River Siang had a major role in determining the route of migration of most of the Adi clans. However, the exact location of their original home in Tibet or beyond that is still to be ascertained

Culture

Dances are an integral part of the lives of the people of East Siang. These dances are simple, rythmic, colourful and participative. They are performed at the slightest pretext. Some of the famous dances are:

Ponung: This dance of the Minyong group of Adis is performed especially on the occassion of the Solung festival. The priest, caled Miri, rattles and ancient Dao (sword) and sings legands.
Popir: This dance is similar to Ponung but is performed on the occasion of Mopin festival of the Galos. The dancers wear white dresses and elaborate headgear of straw.
Dishang: This dance is performed by men folk. It is a community dance and sticks are used.
Tapu: This is an interesting martial dance. This is performed with long traditional swords, vigourous cries and rapid movements by men folk.


Tourist Place

The main visiting places are KEKAR MONYING, Daying Ering Wild Life Sanctury, PANGIN.
Other places of interest are Yambung, Boleng, Ranaghat at Pasighat, Rottung, Ayeng village on the left bank of the Siang, Balek, J.N. College, Craft centre, Pasighat and District Museum run by Research Department.