Reviving Traditions, Inspiring Futures: Indian Army Celebrates Arunachal’s Heritage

The year 2025 began on a vibrant note in Arunachal Pradesh, as the Indian Army in collaboration with the Galo Welfare Society, celebrated the organisation's Silver Jubilee with a spectacular Indigenous Games Event, complemented by a majestic Weapon Display and Equipment Exhibition. Held in January, the celebrations showcased the rich cultural tapestry and resilient spirit of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu inaugurated the event, emphasizing the deep connection between cultural pride, community bonding, and the greater mission of nation-building.

New beats, old roots, the fire begins, Game on, tribe strong—let the legacy spin

Continuing in the same spirit, the Indian Army expanded its outreach, bringing the energy of tradition, youth empowerment, and patriotism to a grand new platform — the Indigenous Games Festival at Pasighat.

Unying Aaran Festival: Where Tradition Meets Patriotism

With a vision to empower communities and celebrate heritage, the Indian Army’s Spearhead Corps unveiled the first-ever Indigenous Games festival at Pasighat from March 17 to 20, 2025. This initiative was launched in conjunction with the vibrant Unying Aaran Festival, the Adi tribe's celebration marking the beginning of a new year — a time believed to bring fortune, prosperity, and happiness to the community.

The festival site at Gidi Notko became a living canvas of culture and camaraderie, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, and attended by eight sitting MLAs, including Shri Ojing Tasing, Rural Development Minister, and Shri Tapir Gao, MP, East Siang, the event symbolized a collective celebration of heritage and hope.

Rekindling Traditions, Empowering Youth

The Indigenous Games conducted at Pasighat served as a vibrant revival of traditional sporting contests deeply woven into the Adi way of life. Events like Archery, Tug of War, Bamboo Climbing, Bamboo Walking, and Cock Fighting were not just competitions; they were celebrations of cultural heritage, teamwork, physical endurance, and community spirit.

These contests brought the grounds of Gidi Notko alive with energy and pride, drawing cheers from thousands of enthusiastic spectators who witnessed traditions rekindled before their eyes. The remarkable participation of the youth highlighted the living connection between heritage and the future, a bond nurtured through the encouragement and leadership of the Indian Army.

Over 300 participants showcased their skills and spirit across different games, embodying the essence of the theme "Yelod ém kensudola, Yedong ém répmosula" — "Remembering Culture, Reviving Tradition."

Where Power Clashes and Unity Wins — Tug of War Time

Walk the Line, Embrace the Tradition — Bamboo Walking at Its Finest

Where Precision Meets Tradition — The Spirit of Archery Unleashed

In the Bamboo Walking event, 40 individuals — 27 boys and 13 girls — displayed their balance and agility. Among them, Mr. Nimoyong from Pasighat emerged victorious for his outstanding performance. The Archery competition saw 56 archers — 30 boys and 26 girls — aiming for glory. Mr. Tami Jerang from Ayeng Village demonstrated exceptional skill to win the event. The Tug of War proved to be the most popular and fiercely contested event, with the highest participation of 140 individuals. Six boys' teams and eight girls' teams battled for supremacy. In the boys’ category, Team Katen Tamuk claimed victory, while in the girls’ category, Team Albina Doley emerged champions.

From Roots to Heights — Bamboo Climbing, the True Test of Grit and Grace

Clash of Courage, Echoes of Heritage — The Cock Fight Begins

In the physically demanding event of Bamboo Climbing, 41 individuals — 32 boys and 9 girls — took on the challenge. Once again, Mr. Tami Jerang demonstrated exceptional prowess by winning the event. The traditional Cock Fighting event, rich with cultural significance, witnessed 40 participants — 24 boys and 16 girls. Mr. Kado Milo Mayong and Miss Ainam Taggu of Balek Village emerged victorious in the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Through these spirited contests, Pasighat witnessed not only a revival of cherished traditions but also the empowerment of its youth — reminding all that culture thrives when it is embraced with pride, passion, and purpose.

Building Patriotism and Dreams

Beyond cultural revival, the Indian Army’s engagement at the Unying Aaran Festival carried a message of empowerment and inspiration for the youth. A Know Your Army stall was set up, featuring the latest military equipment, offering a glimpse into the world of India’s brave soldiers. Visitors including students, cadets from Sainik School Niglok, and local youth, marveled at the strength and capability of the Indian Armed Forces, finding heroes to emulate and a future path to aspire towards.

Adding a deeper layer of emotion and pride, the Param Vir Chakra Heritage Hall was established at the festival ground. This hall, honoring India’s most valiant warriors, offered a profound tribute to the spirit of sacrifice and valor that defines the nation’s armed forces.

The hall attracted over 5000 visitors during the event, filling hearts with patriotism and planting seeds of future service among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.

A Festival of Unity, Heritage, and Hope

The Unying Aaran Festival at Pasighat, made even more special by the Indian Army’s initiatives, witnessed a daily footfall of over 1500 visitors. The grand Closing Ceremony, attended by senior officers from Sigar Military Station and the Deputy Commissioner of East Siang, celebrated not just the winners of the games but the spirit of an entire community coming together.

Through initiatives like these, the Indian Army reaffirmed its enduring role — not just as the protector of borders, but as a custodian of culture, builder of youth potential, and unwavering partner in the journey of peace and prosperity. The people of Arunachal Pradesh, through their active participation and overwhelming response, echoed their gratitude and pride in the Army's continuous efforts to preserve traditions and forge stronger national unity.

In every arrow released, every bamboo climbed, and every spirited tug of war, a message resonated loud and clear: heritage lives on when hearts beat together — and with every heartbeat, India grows stronger.