Dree Festival: A Celebration of Agriculture, Culture, and Community in Ziro Valley

Every year in the scenic Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani tribe comes together to celebrate one of their most cherished traditions — the Dree Festival. Held annually on July 5th, with rituals and festivities beginning a day earlier, this vibrant event is more than just a cultural celebration. It is a heartfelt prayer for prosperity, a tribute to nature, and a living symbol of the Apatani people's deep connection with their land and traditions.

Dree is an agricultural festival at its core. The Apatanis, known for their advanced wet rice cultivation methods, celebrate this occasion to seek divine blessings for a bountiful and pest-free harvest. It marks the tribe’s gratitude to nature and the deities who guard their fields, ensuring food security for the entire community.

The celebration has immense spiritual significance. Four principal deities are worshipped during Dree — Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi. Each holds a special role in protecting crops from pests, diseases, and natural calamities. Priests conduct rituals and offer sacrifices such as fowls, eggs, and even animals, to please these deities. These rituals are not just ceremonial; they reflect the tribe’s ancestral wisdom and reverence for the forces of nature.

Dree is also a visual and sensory feast. The air comes alive with traditional songs, colorful dances, and the sound of traditional instruments. Women and men, dressed in exquisite, handwoven garments, perform age-old dances that echo tales of harvests, harmony, and heritage. One of the festival’s unique customs is the distribution of cucumbers, believed to be sacred and symbolic of good health and peace.

Feasting is an essential part of the celebration. Families and visitors savor local delicacies crafted from fresh produce, as community feasts evolve into social gatherings that strengthen bonds and foster unity.

While rooted in agriculture, Dree has now evolved into a larger cultural celebration. The festival features traditional sports, literary competitions, and various cultural events that engage the youth and keep the community’s creative spirit alive. It is a platform for the Apatanis to showcase their identity, pass down stories, and reinforce values.

The Dree Festival is more than a cultural event; it showcases how a tribal community can preserve its rich heritage while adapting to modern times.

The heart of the celebration is Ziro, a picturesque valley nestled in the Lower Subansiri district. Known for its lush rice fields, pine-covered hills, and pleasant climate, Ziro becomes the epicenter of joy and tradition during Dree.

How to Reach the Dree Festival in Ziro Valley:

By Air: The nearest airport is Lilabari (Assam), about 100 km from Ziro. You can take a taxi or shared vehicle to Ziro.

By Train: Nearest railhead is Naharlagun (Itanagar), well-connected to Guwahati. From there, Ziro is around 90 km by road.

By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Itanagar and North Lakhimpur. Roads are scenic but winding, so plan for extra travel time.

Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for visitors to Arunachal. You can apply online here or get it from Arunachal Bhavans in major cities.

So, if you’re ever in Arunachal in early July, make your way to Ziro. Walk through its green fields, taste the sacred cucumbers, dance with the locals, and experience Dree — where faith, farming, and festivity come together in perfect harmony.