Which of the following festival is celebrated by Khamtis tribe of Arunachal Pradesh? 

The correct answer is Sangken.

Key Points

• Sangken is a water festival celebrated by the Khamti tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It marks the traditional New Year for the Khamti and is also observed by other Tai ethnic groups in Northeast India.
• The festival involves the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues and sprinkling water on each other as a sign of purification and goodwill.
• Sangken is celebrated around mid-April, coinciding with other Southeast Asian New Year festivals like Songkran in Thailand.
• The festival reflects Buddhist cultural practices and promotes harmony, peace, and community bonding.

Additional Information

• Khamti Tribe: The Khamtis are one of the major Buddhist tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, belonging to the larger Tai ethnic group. They follow Theravada Buddhism.
• Other Festivals:
  • Tamladu: A festival celebrated by the Digaru Mishmi tribe, it is a nature worship festival involving prayers for protection and prosperity.
  • Mopin: Celebrated by the Galo tribe, Mopin is an agricultural festival to ensure a good harvest and is marked by dances, songs, and rituals.
  • Reh: This is a festival of the Idu Mishmi tribe, held to honor the earth and ancestors, ensuring their protection and blessings.
• Water Symbolism: In Sangken, water symbolizes purification, renewal, and the washing away of past sins and negative emotions.
• Buddhist Influence: The rituals reflect Buddhist teachings, focusing on compassion, humility, and the cycle of life and rebirth.