People and Culture

Most of the tribes inhabiting the land are ethnically similar, having derived from an original common stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.

Broadly the people of Arunachal Pradesh are divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Noted for their religious behavior the villages of these communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples locally called 'Gompas'. Though largely agriculturists practicing terrace cultivation, many of these people are also pastoral and breed hers of Yak and mountain sheep.

The second group of people are the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nyishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Tangsas etc. who worship the Sun and the Moon God, namely Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles.

The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their strictly structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practice elementary form of Vaishnavism.

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