Roing/Khinjili, Dec 21: A book titled ‘Traditional Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh: An Ethnographic Perspective,’ edited by Prof. S. Simon John and Dr. Tarun Mene and jointly published by AITS, RGU and RIWATCH, was released  at the ongoing international conference today. The book was formally released by the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Chowna Mein, in the presence of the Former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, Dambuk MLA Punnyo Apum, among others.
The book makes a significant contribution to ongoing scholarly debates on tradition versus modernity, change and continuity, and emic versus etic perspectives. It emphasizes that traditional festivals are vibrant expressions of cultural identity and vital repositories of intangible cultural heritage. In an era marked by rapid modernization, these festivals face unprecedented challenges, making it increasingly important to document, analyze, and reflect upon them. Responding to these concerns, the book systematically records and interprets the traditional festivals of the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
The book brings together diverse scholarly contributions and comprises 23 research papers, along with an introductory chapter by the editors. Each contribution offers a detailed examination of how traditional festivals function as living expressions of cultural identity, spiritual ecology, communal solidarity, and resilience within tribal societies. Collectively, the papers deepen the understanding of indigenous worldviews and highlight the complexity embedded in ritual and festive practices.
The editors have collaborated with scholars, cultural practitioners, and local communities to present a comprehensive ethnographic portrayal of these traditions. The objective is not only to contribute to the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh but also to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and others interested in the ethnographic study of traditional festivals. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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