To get to the Apatani people took several days and our journey started of in Guwahati Assam where we spent a couple of days photographing around the Kamakhya Temple. Which is one of the most revered and famous temples in India.
The Myoko Festival
The Myoko Festival is a vibrant and deeply significant cultural celebration of the Apatani tribe, held annually in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This festival, typically observed in March, is a time of communal harmony, fertility rituals, and ancestor worship, reflecting the tribe’s close relationship with nature and their strong sense of community.
The origins of the Myoko Festival are rooted in the Apatani tribe’s agrarian lifestyle. As a predominantly farming community, the Apatani people celebrate Myoko to ensure good harvests, the fertility of the land, and the well-being of their livestock. The festival also serves as a time for renewing social bonds and reaffirming the unity among the various clans of the tribe.
One of the central traditions of the Myoko Festival is the performance of elaborate rituals by the tribe’s priests, known as Nyibu, to invoke the blessings of the gods. These rituals involve the sacrifice of animals, such as pigs and chickens, as offerings to appease the deities and ancestors. The Nyibu play a crucial role in guiding the ceremonies, reciting ancient prayers and chants that have been passed down through generations.
Another key aspect of the Myoko Festival is the Rikhii ritual, which focuses on the fertility of women and the protection of newborns. During this ritual, young women receive blessings for fertility and prosperity, and newly married couples are honored. The festival is also a time for purification rituals, where participants cleanse themselves and their surroundings to ward off evil spirits.
Throughout the festival, traditional Apatani dances, songs, and feasts are held, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. People from neighboring villages come together to participate in these communal activities, strengthening the bonds between different clans and reinforcing their shared cultural heritage.
The Myoko Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a living tradition that connects the Apatani people to their ancestors, their land, and each other. It serves as a reminder of their rich history and the enduring values that continue to shape their lives today..
The Apatani Women
The Apatani tribe, residing in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India, is renowned for its unique cultural practices, particularly those of its women. Traditionally, Apatani women were known for wearing large nose plugs and sporting distinctive facial tattoos. These customs, while fading today, are deeply rooted in the tribe’s history and have long been a subject of fascination for anthropologists and photographers alike.
The nose plugs, or yaping hurlo, were traditionally worn by Apatani women as a form of beauty. Interestingly, some legends suggest that these plugs were initially introduced to deter raiders from abducting the women, as their beauty was so renowned that other tribes sought to kidnap them. The large plugs were inserted into pierced holes on either side of the nose, making them instantly recognizable.
In addition to the nose plugs, Apatani women also adorned their faces with tattoos. These tattoos typically consisted of a vertical line running from the forehead to the tip of the nose, accompanied by five horizontal lines on the chin. Like the nose plugs, these tattoos were once a symbol of beauty, as well as a mark of tribal identity and pride. The practice of tattooing began at a young age and was considered an important rite of passage for Apatani girls.
While these traditions have been largely abandoned due to modernization and government regulations discouraging such practices, the older women of the tribe still carry these symbols of their culture. For photographers and cultural enthusiasts, capturing the faces of these women is a powerful way to document a disappearing tradition, revealing a story of resilience, beauty, and identity that has withstood the test of time. The Apatani’s unique customs continue to be a testament to the tribe’s rich cultural heritage in the face of a rapidly changing world
Travelling to Ziro Valley
Traveling from Guwahati to visit the Apatani tribe in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, via Tezpur by car is a fascinating journey through Northeast India’s diverse landscapes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan the trip. Id recommend staying in Guwahati for a couple of days to photograph the Kamakhya Temple and its pilgrims
Guwahati to Tezpur: Distance: Approximately 180 km. Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Your journey begins in Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India. From Guwahati, take National Highway 27 (NH 27) towards Tezpur, a historic town in Assam. The drive is smooth, passing through lush green fields, small towns, and alongside the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Nagaon: A mid-point where you can stop for refreshments. It’s also known for the Kaziranga National Park nearby, although that’s a bit of a detour.
Kolibari: A beautiful rural landscape with tea gardens and paddy fields.
Tezpur is a charming town on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, known for its ancient temples and historical sites. Take a break here to visit Agnigarh Hill and Mahabhairav Temple. If you have time, exploring the Bhomoraguri Bridge (which connects Tezpur to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra) can offer some stunning views.
Tezpur to Bhalukpong: Distance: Approximately 55 km. Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
From Tezpur, continue your journey towards Bhalukpong, which is the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh. The road winds through scenic countryside and gradually enters more hilly terrain as you approach the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhalukpong: This border town, located on the banks of the Kameng River, is surrounded by lush greenery and hills. You can stop here to explore the Tipi Orchidarium, which houses hundreds of species of orchids. This is also a good spot for a meal or a short rest before continuing your journey.
Bhalukpong to Itanagar/Naharlagun: Distance: Approximately 130 km. Travel Time: 4-5 hours
After crossing Bhalukpong, you’ll officially enter Arunachal Pradesh. The journey becomes more scenic as you drive through the hilly terrain and dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas. The road is well-paved, but the journey can be slow due to winding roads and occasional rough patches.
Permit Check: Ensure you have your Inner Line Permit (ILP) handy at the border checkpoint.:
Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and a good place to stop for the night. If you want to push on, Naharlagun is about 15 km from Itanagar and offers a quieter stay with fewer tourists.
Itanagar/Naharlagun to Ziro Valley: Distance: Approximately 110 km. Travel Time: 4-5 hours
The final leg of your journey takes you from Itanagar/Naharlagun to Ziro Valley, home of the Apatani tribe. This part of the journey is particularly beautiful, with winding roads through forests, rivers, and terraced hillsides. Ziro Valley itself is known for its lush paddy fields, pine forests, and cool climate.
Recommended Stops:
Kimin: A small town en route, surrounded by dense greenery.
Yachuli: A scenic village where you can take a quick break and enjoy the views.
Once you arrive in Ziro, explore the villages of the Apatani tribe, such as Hong, Hari, Hija, and Dutta. These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Apatani people, famous for their unique customs, including women with nose plugs and facial tattoos.
Additional Tips for the Journey: and Recommendations when travelling to Ziro
Fuel Stops: Ensure your car is well-fueled, especially after leaving Tezpur, as fuel stations become less frequent.
Road Conditions: The road conditions can vary, especially in the hilly regions. Drive carefully, and consider traveling in a sturdy vehicle like an SUV for comfort.
Accommodations: Book accommodations in advance, especially in Ziro, as options are limited.
Traveling from Guwahati to Ziro Valley via Tezpur by car is an adventure that takes you through the heart of Northeast India. The journey offers breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to witness the unique traditions of the Apatani tribe. By making thoughtful stops along the way and immersing yourself in the local culture, this trip becomes more than just a drive—it becomes an unforgettable experience
You can explore the Apatani villages such as Hong, Hari, Hija, and Dutta. These villages are known for their unique traditions, including the Apatani women with their distinctive nose plugs and tattoos. Spend time interacting with the locals, learning about their agricultural practices, and witnessing their traditional ways of life.
Stay in a Homestay: To immerse yourself in Apatani culture, consider staying in a traditional Apatani homestay. This will give you a chance to experience their daily routines, cuisine, and hospitality up close.
Permits:Ttravelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. These can be obtained online or from designated offices in cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, and Itanagar.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ziro Valley is between March and October, with March being especially significant for the Myoko Festival, a major cultural event of the Apatani tribe.
