Tawang to host maiden Rhododendron Festival

Itanagar, Mar 31: Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up for its maiden Rhododendron Festival, with the State Government set to host the Wu-Dong Mentoh (Rhododendron) Festival on April 11 and 12 at Zermiteng under Khrimu village in Tawang district.

Announcing the event, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the festival will be held amid the breathtaking bloom of rhododendrons, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.

The maiden edition of the festival aims to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, particularly that of the Monpa community, including the Brokpa tribe, while promoting eco-tourism in the picturesque high-altitude landscapes of Tawang.

Key highlights of the two-day festival will include nature walks through high-altitude flowering zones, traditional Monpa cultural performances, guided tours showcasing handmade paper-making practices, and exploration of local cuisine and indigenous traditions.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Zermiteng—where rhododendrons bloom in vibrant colours during April—the festival is expected to offer visitors an immersive experience that blends nature, culture, and sustainability, officials said.

Chief Minister Khandu also extended an open invitation to people from across the country and beyond to take part in the celebration, describing it as a festival of nature, culture, and community, while showcasing the untapped tourism potential of the region.