I was initially curious about the origin of the ‘eagle nest’ festival name, but I discovered that it dates back to the 1962 war, when the Red Eagle Division fought valiantly against the Chinese attack, suffering significant losses. In honor of their bravery and sacrifices, West Arunachal pays tribute to these soldiers by celebrating this unique festival, which commemorates their bloodshed efforts and victories.
Sharad Verma and Moupriya Roy were Culture…..
By Angelia Roy
I felt deeply honoured to be invited to the fourth edition of the Eagle Nest Festival, held at Khellong Doimra in West Kaming District of Arunachal Pradesh, a journey that proved enlightening as I gained a profound understanding of the daily lives of the local people and elders, an experience that brought me a sense of closure and love.
Upon conducting an in-depth exploration of west Arunachal Pradesh, it was discovered that the region is home to two primary communities: the Shardupen consisting of 6000 and the Bugun, collectively consisting of approximately 3000 to 4000 individuals. Notably, the Shardupen community boasts an impressive literacy rate of 80%, and historically, its members would travel to Assam during the winter months to engage in barter exchange. This exchange involved the Assamese BORO tribe gifting rice, while the Shardupen tribe reciprocated with chilies and fruits. As an indigenous community, the Shardupen people traditionally worship nature and adhere to Buddhist principles.
Returning to the eagle nest festival, which the Shardupen community spearheaded and hosted, I initially wondered about the origins of the ‘Eagle Nest’ name. However, I discovered that it dates back to the 1962 war, when the Red Eagle Division bravely fought against the Chinese attack, incurring significant losses. To honour their bravery and sacrifices, West Arunachal pays tribute to these soldiers through this unique festival, commemorating their bloodshed efforts and victories.
As I touched down at the venue a day before the festivities kicked off, I was electrified by the sight of individual tents set up for everyone, the crowd of people gathering, and the array of food laid out, all coming together to celebrate this pivotal event with the excitement of a fun picnic and a lively campfire. The place was beautifully decorated, and I was astonished to see what I thought was a part of a flower, only to discover it was a real flower upon closer inspection. The locals, noticing my curiosity, shared with me the story of a specific tree whose seeds are considered highly auspicious in Buddhism and are available there, obtained from the fruit of the tree.
As we embarked on the first day of the festival, our journey from Kameng District to Doimara culminated in Bomdila, where we celebrated an enchanting and beautiful festival. The respected Minister of Environment & Forest, Geology, Mining and Minerals, DoTCL Mr.Wangki Lowang, HMLA Mr.Tenzin, and Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, and Biodiversity, IFS Dr. Damodar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The 4th Edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and offering prayers to the sacred ‘Bonsum’ Tree of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This revered tree holds immense historical and spiritual significance, as it was planted by the Dalai Lama in 1959 during his journey through the region. The tree’s remarkable growth, despite initial adversity, has become a symbol of resilience and hope. Against all odds, a tiny seedling grew into a majestic tree, symbolizing hope, compassion, and environmental stewardship, and embodying the timeless teachings of His Holiness on peace, resilience, and coexistence. Today, Minister Mr. Wangki Lowang laid the foundation stone for the His Holiness Dalai Lama Heritage Trekking Trail and the His Holiness Dalai Lama Biodiversity Park at Khellong, West Kameng District, in the presence of esteemed guests. The Heritage Trekking Trail holds profound historical and cultural significance, retracing the journey of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during his passage to India in 1959.It stands as a poignant testament to his unwavering resilience and profound teachings, beckoning adventure seekers to immerse themselves in the region’s rich tapestry of history and breathtaking natural beauty. The Dalai Lama Biodiversity Park is envisioned to promote eco-tourism, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the land. Both projects serve as a powerful tribute to the region’s incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage, elevating its eco-tourism potential and offering a truly unique experience for those who visit. The festival serves as a catalyst for promoting eco-tourism, capturing the attention of environmental aficionados through immersive experiences such as the Birdathon, wildlife exploration, and adventure programs, while also fostering active participation from diverse regions, including esteemed educational institutions like the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, and Kaliabar College, Assam. With day one coming to a sweet end, we all eagerly looked forward to day two.
As we embarked on the second day, I found myself torn between excitement and trepidation, for it was the day of the highly anticipated trek, a 14km journey from Chaku to Thongre, marking the inaugural His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama Heritage Trail, a historic event that would etch itself in the annals of time, and one that I was uncertain if I could undertake due to my previous leg injuries, yet the significance of the occasion, being part of the 4th Edition Eagle Nest Bird Festival, drew me in, along with 70 fellow enthusiastic trekkers.The respected MLA Tsetan Chombay formally launched the program, not only inaugurating the event but also participating in the 14km trek alongside the participants, thereby demonstrating his dedication to promoting ecotourism and preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama Heritage Trail is a landmark initiative that commemorates the Dalai Lama’s historic journey through the region, offering trekkers a unique opportunity to experience the area’s breathtaking natural beauty while paying homage to the Dalai Lama’s legacy.The success of this inaugural trek has set the tone for future events, with organizers optimistic about the trail’s potential to promote sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in the region.The second day of the festival was a life-changing experience that, despite its exhausting yet exhilarating nature, has become the most heartfelt and unforgettable moment of my life, prompting me to reflect on life’s true meaning and the significance of preserving our Mother Earth-an experience I believe everyone should have at least once.
As I witnessed the culmination of the event on the third day, l was struck by the remarkable preparations and progress made by the local community, whose unwavering enthusiasm was a testament to their dedication. What was truly remarkable, however, was the empowering presence of the local women, who had taken the lead in organizing the entire event, showcasing their capabilities and strengths. The driving force behind this initiative was Director Kesang Khrimey, whose infectious enthusiasm left us all in awe.The pièce de résistance of the closing ceremony was the unveiling of the New Cultural Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of the Shertukpen community’s rich traditions, customs, and cultural significance. The exhibition stalls featured an array of organizations, including the Responsible Tourism Fellows – Green Hub, Birdathon Group, students from Industrial Training Institute, Dirang, and volunteers from The Women Storytelling Project, all of whom highlighted their efforts in promoting sustainability, creativity, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As I reflect on the event, I am deeply moved by the richness of our heritage and the incredible talent that was showcased. The Self-Help Groups from Thongre and Rupa stole the show with their stunning display of organic vegetables, fruits, and edible products, highlighting the region’s natural and agricultural abundance. The experience has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I am already yearning to reunite with my extended family of friends at the 5th Eagle Nest Festival, cherishing the memories of this unforgetable experience that has touched my body, mind, and soul.
