The Idu Mishmi community of Arunachal Pradesh is celebrating its most important socio-religious festival, Reh, with deep devotion and cultural pride at Anini in Dibang Valley district, close to the Indo-China border. The central celebrations, being held from February 1 to February 3, have drawn large gatherings of villagers, elders, youth and visitors, turning the remote border town into a vibrant centre of prayer, tradition and community bonding.
The festival assumes special significance this year with the presence of Pema Khandu, along with several senior ministers, elected representatives and community leaders. Their participation highlighted not only the cultural importance of Reh but also the strategic and social relevance of Dibang Valley, one of India’s easternmost frontier districts.
Reh is deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the Idu Mishmi tribe, mainly inhabiting Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts. The festival is observed to seek blessings from the divine mother Nanyi Inyitaya for peace, prosperity, good health and harmony within the community. While Reh rituals are performed in villages across Dibang and Lower Dibang Valleys, Anini and Roing serve as the main centres for larger gatherings and collective celebrations.
The Chief Minister attended the festival along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, Sports Minister Kento Jini, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, IPR Minister Nyato Dukam, and local MLA Mope Mihu, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khandu called upon the Idu Mishmi people to protect and preserve their language, customs and traditional way of life. He said the originality and purity of Idu Mishmi culture is its greatest strength. “Preserving this culture is important not only for the coming generations but also for the world, which wants to understand and experience the unique heritage of Arunachal Pradesh,” the Chief Minister said. He also appreciated the community for continuing age-old traditions despite modern changes and challenges.
