Editor,
The Kameng River Festival in Arunachal Pradesh was first launched in 2016 as a three-day cultural and eco-tourism event at Pacha Morang, on the banks of the Kameng River. The festival was jointly organised by the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO), the district administration, and the State Tourism Department. Its objective was to promote local culture, eco-tourism, and community participation by celebrating the river that has sustained generations of people in the region. However, the festival was later discontinued as it did not receive approval as a government calendar event.
The discontinuation of the Kameng River Festival is unfortunate, as the event holds immense potential to become a major cultural and tourism platform for the region. If revived and expanded across the undivided Kameng districts, the festival could play a crucial role in promoting communal harmony, regional unity, and inclusive development. The Kameng River flows through multiple districts and communities, cutting across administrative boundaries, cultures, and languages. A collective celebration of the river can naturally strengthen emotional bonds among people who share a common geography and history.
Extending the festival beyond a single location would also broaden economic opportunities for local communities. Such an event can support small businesses, including local farmers, handloom and handicraft artisans, folk artists, food vendors, guides, and homestay owners. At the same time, it would help bring visibility to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Kameng region, which remains largely unexplored despite its vast tourism potential.
Importantly, the Kameng River Festival should also emphasise environmental responsibility and conservation, especially the protection of aquatic life and river ecosystems. Awareness programmes on sustainable fishing practices, river cleanliness, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience should be integrated into the festival’s activities. A river festival should not only be a celebration of culture and joy, but also a reminder of our collective duty to protect nature.
Today, improved road infrastructure and internet connectivity have reduced distances and brought people closer. The region is no longer as isolated as it once was. In this changing context, the Kameng River Festival can become a strong symbol of unity, shared identity, and collective celebration. Organising the festival on a rotational basis across all Kameng districts would ensure wider participation, shared ownership, and balanced regional development.
Given the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions found along the Kameng River, such a festival has the potential to become one of the most fascinating cultural showcases in Arunachal Pradesh. With proper planning, community involvement, and government support, the Kameng River Festival can be revived not merely as an event, but as a movement for cultural pride, environmental awareness, and regional harmony.
Lota Singhi