The inaugural edition of the festival of arunachal 2026, organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, concluded successfully at Dilli Haat, INA in New Delhi. The two-day festival marked an important step in showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and growing tourism potential to audiences in the national capital.
Held on 21–22 February 2026, the festival recorded a footfall of over 6000 visitors, reflecting strong public interest in Arunachal Pradesh and its diverse traditions, crafts and tourism offerings.
The festival featured exhibitors from various tribes and districts of Arunachal Pradesh, presenting indigenous handicrafts, handwoven textiles, organic agricultural products, traditional cuisine and community-led enterprises. Visitors enjoyed vibrant cultural performances, ethnic fashion showcases, tribal music and the traditional yak dance. Audio-visual presentations highlighted the state’s scenic landscapes and emerging tourism experiences.
Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, minister of education, tourism, rural works, libraries and parliamentary affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said the festival marked an important step in presenting the state’s identity, culture and tourism strengths to a wider national audience. He added that the initiative helps create market linkages for community enterprises and supports the vision of positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a leading experiential and cultural tourism destination in India.
The second day of the festival was attended by senior officials from various government departments and ministries, underlining the growing national focus on promoting tourism and cultural development in the northeast region.
Beyond being a cultural showcase, the festival also served as a strategic tourism outreach platform. It highlighted emerging areas such as agro-tourism, sustainable farming, indigenous food traditions and responsible travel experiences.
As the first edition of the event and its debut in New Delhi, festival of arunachal 2026 marks a new chapter in the state’s tourism promotion efforts at the national level. The successful conclusion has set the foundation for future initiatives aimed at strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s presence in key tourism markets across India.
