Emuli Village, renowned as the starting point of the famous Seven Lakes Trek in the Dibang Valley, is set to take center stage as it hosts the general Reh celebrations from February 1st to 3rd, 2024Emuli Village, renowned as the starting point of the famous Seven Lakes Trek in the Dibang Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, is set to take center stage as it hosts The Reh Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza celebrated by the Idu Mishmi community in Arunachal Pradesh to mark the commencement of the sowing season, from February 1st to 3rd, 2024.
The Reh Festival, an integral part of the Idu Mishmi cultural tapestry in Arunachal Pradesh, unfolds annually in February, symbolizing the onset of the agricultural cycle. Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival is a vibrant amalgamation of dance, music, and rituals. The Idu Mishmi community, known for their sustainable lifestyle, emphasizes eco-spirituality during the celebrations. One unique aspect is the use of organic materials sourced from the surrounding jungles for constructing temporary structures, underscoring the festival’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Participants clad in traditional attire engage in mesmerizing dances, each step echoing ancestral stories. The festival is a fervent prayer for a bountiful harvest, with rituals dedicated to agricultural deities. Beyond cultural significance, Reh serves as a platform for social cohesion, as the community welcomes locals and visitors to partake in the festivities, fostering cross-cultural understanding amid the breathtaking landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Guided by the forward-thinking of Mathu Youth,” this year’s Reh Festival, themed “Chitu Huluni Khimbo Hambo Tombo,” not only highlights the rich cultural traditions but also emphasizes environmental sustainability in this pristine corner of Arunachal Pradesh.
As the gateway to the Seven Lakes Trek, Emuli Village is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Dibang Valley, this quaint village has long served as the embarkation point for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the indigenous heritage of the Idu Mishmi community.
The Reh Festival, set against the backdrop of Emuli’s enchanting grasslands and divine aisle forests, aims to deepen the connection between nature and the mythologies of the Idu Mishmi tribes. What makes this celebration truly distinctive is the conscious decision by the organizers, “Mathu Youth,” to eschew conventional tents. Instead, they opt for structures crafted from materials sourced directly from the jungles and forests surrounding Emuli, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the region’s rich forest wealth.
This year’s festival promises to be a grand display of eco-spirituality and sustainable goals, urging attendees to forge a harmonious coexistence with nature. Beyond celebrating the cultural richness of the Idu Mishmi community, the Reh Festival in Emuli aims to draw attention to the delicate balance between tradition and environmental conservation in the Dibang Valley.
As Emuli opens its doors to locals and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to participate in the festivities amid the stunning landscapes, the event stands as a convergence of tradition, nature, and sustainable living. For those looking to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Reh Festival, Emuli Village beckons as the epicenter of this extraordinary celebration.
The nearest major town of Emuli, which falls within the charming Mathun Valley- a sub valley of the Dibang Valley, is Anini, the headquarters of the Dibang Valley district. The distance between Anini and Emuli is approximately 29 km. Travelers can embark on a picturesque road journey from Anini, navigating through the scenic beauty of the region.
