Itanagar, Feb 21: The 40th Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh was celebrated across several districts with patriotic zeal, colourful cultural programmes, exhibitions and sports activities, commemorating four decades since the State attained full-fledged statehood on February 20, 1987.
In Pasighat, the main function was held at the Outdoor Stadium where East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani unfurled the National Flag. The celebration showcased vibrant cultural performances including Ponung folk dance and Tapu dance, along with exhibitions by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs and Govt departments highlighting rural entrepreneurship and development initiatives.
Meritorious officials from various departments were presented commendation certificates in recognition of their dedicated services. A notable highlight of the event was the release of “Folk Ballads of Siang” by Obat Boko Jamoh, a collection of traditional folk songs in Adi and English. ArSRLM East Siang bagged the award for best exhibition stall for the consecutive year, while cultural teams were also felicitated.
At Aalo, the celebration was organised with enthusiasm, where West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi hoisted the National Flag. The programme featured colourful mega dances and cultural presentations by local groups. Public representatives, officials, students and citizens participated in large numbers, reflecting unity and pride.
The Statehood Day celebration at the District Secretariat, Ziro, Lower Subansiri district was attended by local MLA Hage Appa as Chief Guest, who unfurled the tricolour and received the Guard of Honour. The event featured cultural dances by students, exhibition stalls by departments and SHGs, and a fire safety demonstration by the Police Department.
The occasion also witnessed the release of “Birds of Ziro,” a pocket guide featuring 119 bird species, aimed at promoting conservation awareness. Cleanest village awards were presented, and commendation certificates were distributed to officials for outstanding service.
In Upper Siang district, the Statehood Day celebrations were held at Tuting and Yingkiong. At Tuting, Adviser to the Chief Minister and MLA Alo Libang hoisted the National Flag in the presence of civil and security officials. Cultural troupes enthralled the audience, while a band performance by the Indian Army added grandeur to the occasion.
At Yingkiong, Upper Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Api Kombo unfurled the National Flag. The programme featured colourful cultural performances, exhibition stalls, games and sports activities, and a friendly football match between DMO XI and SP XI teams.
In Daporijo, the celebration was held at Rijo Stadium, where Upper Subansiri ZPC Joti Sikom unfurled the National Flag and unveiled the map of Arunachal Pradesh, marking the historic occasion.
In her address, she paid tributes to the leaders and visionaries who laid the foundation for the State’s development. She emphasised the need for a drug-free society, called upon youth to engage in constructive nation-building, and highlighted the importance of women empowerment and grassroots governance. She also stressed coordination among PRI leaders and Heads of Departments for sustainable development.
The programme featured colourful folk dances, exhibition stalls showcasing indigenous crafts and local products, and active participation by the Indian Army. Commendation certificates and prizes were distributed to winners of cultural, sports and exhibition events. Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, Superintendent of Police Pawan Yadav and other officials attended the celebration.
Across Tirap district, celebrations were conducted at Khonsa and other administrative headquarters including Deomali, Lazu, Dadam, Borduria, Bari Basip and Soha. At Khonsa, ZPC John K K Matey unfurled the National Flag.
The celebration included vibrant performances by Nocte, Tutsa and Wancho cultural groups, tug-of-war competitions, and exhibition-cum-sales stalls by various departments and SHGs. Prizes were distributed to winners of sports and cultural events, adding to the festive spirit.
In Lohit district, the Statehood Day was observed at Tezu, Sunpura and Wakro. At Tezu, ZPM Baplalum Chiba unfurled the National Flag in the presence of officials and community members. Cultural programmes showcasing local traditions were organised at all venues, reinforcing the spirit of unity and pride.
At Anini in Dibang Valley, the celebration was held at Jubilee Ground with ZPC Sadhu Mihu as Chief Guest. The programme featured traditional cultural performances, felicitation of beneficiaries under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, prize distribution ceremonies and a friendly football match between DC XI and ZPC XI teams.
In Likabali, the main function was held at Govt Higher Secondary School playground, where Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu unfurled the National Flag. The National Anthem and Vande Mataram were rendered with due respect.
The celebration included sporting events, cultural programmes and innovative activities, including a pet fancy dress competition. The final matches of the inter-departmental sports meet 2026 were also played, with the District Police team emerging as overall champions after winning the football and tug-of-war finals.
Statehood Day was also celebrated in Nari, Koyu, Gensi, Kangku and other administrative circles. At Nari, ZPC Pakmo Koyu unfurled the National Flag.
At Basar in Leparada district, the celebration was held at Todak Basar Memorial Stadium, with local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi as Chief Guest. She unfurled the National Flag and took the Guard of Honour.
The programme featured exhibition stalls by various departments and SHGs, a traditional dance competition among women, and a vibrant display of ‘Nyida Parik’ by Bam village men. Indigenous games such as bamboo pole climbing and archery witnessed enthusiastic participation. Several officials were felicitated for their dedicated service.
Across districts, exhibition stalls by government departments and SHGs highlighted developmental initiatives and women-led enterprises, while sports competitions and traditional games enhanced community participation.
The 40th Statehood Day celebrations concluded across the State on a note of pride, unity and renewed commitment towards inclusive growth, cultural preservation and sustained progress of Arunachal Pradesh.