| THE PANGSAU PASS WINTER FESTIVAL 2008 |
| Published in North East Window, Nagaland |
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 An enticement to delve the enigma of the secluded territory, an opportunity to fathom the extraordinary custom and eccentric tradition of diverse Tribes of the land of rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh and a privilege, a honor to be a part of the magnificent Pangsau Pass Winter Festival2008. Another euphoric circumstance to share and swap the elation of life, another year to commemorate the glorious bygone eras of the Tribal of Arunachal Pradesh and experience their heartwarming hospitality along with the mouth watering cuisines, traditional sports, indigenous music, warrior dances and ethnic dresses. The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is not only a platform to unravel the clandestine world of the Tangsas but also an occasion to rejoice ethnic life and simplicity. It is the gateway to the shrouded paradise of Arunachal Pradesh. This undiscovered, unexplored beautiful mountainous state is waiting to be noticed and admired. The pristine environment of the region fascinates and the simple life styles of the tribal people surprises. The scud clouds flit beneath the azure sky, the ageless mountain treasures the age-old mysteries. The tramontane winds winnow the qualms; transport the sub conscious mind to another world. The Lung inhales unadulterated oxygen. The pungent fragrances of fresh wood and rare orchids beguile the exhausted brain, stimulate the tepid strength, refreshing and relaxing the weary pedestrian. The turbulent rivulets composes the soulful music’s, the vibrant birds hums the melodies and the elegant butterflies dances to the tunes through the moors. The true nature enthusiast, voyagers, trekkers, butterfly watchers, etc should visit this shrouded place because everything about this place is fantastic. The amazing peoples, the marvelous culture, the fabulous traditions, the delicious delicacy, the rare flora, the endangered faunas, etc, what you need is nerve to track the uphill foot tracks and time, plenty of time to explore the region and enjoy the warm tribal hospitality.
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A trip to hidden paradise -
Arunachal festival promises a journey to the unknown |
| The Telegraph - Thursday, January 18, 2007 |
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Dibrugarh/Guwahati, Jan. 17: Did you know that India has its very own Bermuda Triangle?
 Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas on the Indo-Myanmar border, the “Lake of No Return” had intrigued the Allied forces during World War II when many of its aircraft and crew disappeared into the lake’s icy depths during emergency “soft landings”.
Come Saturday, the Lake of No Return and many other little-known places will play host to tourists when the first Pangsau Pass Winter Festival begins at Nampong, the border township in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.The festival will not only showcase the unique culture and cuisine of the Tangsas — the dominant tribe of the district — but also give tourists a chance to visit the Lake of No Return — a 15-km drive from Nampong down the historic Stilwell Road.
“The festival will be attended by Union minister Jairam Ramesh,” said Arif Siddique, a member of the organising committee. The event will serve as the gateway to the shrouded paradise in Arunachal Pradesh, one of the last Shangri Las in the country, hope the organisers.
On the inaugural day, tourists will be taken on a trip to the evergreen tropical rain forests of Nampong. “The journey through the serpentine roads might be tough for some but it is worth it when you reach the destination,” said Siddique. “And we will serve the exhausted souls with U (rice beer) and delicious local cuisine, including traditional pork bamboo shoot and steamed rice at the food fiesta,” Siddique said.
The second day will be devoted to sports and music. Siddique said visitors and local residents will participate in a “Run for Peace” on that day.The highlight of Day II, however, will be a performance by a Myanmarese cultural troupe and a traditional sports competition.
“Music connoisseurs will be enthralled by the performance by myriad sub-tribes of Tangsas,” said Siddique. The festival will conclude with a food fiesta and fashion show of traditional attire. “Even in this day and age, we are cut off from the rest of the world. Here, time stands still and life moves at a snail’s pace. Tourists hardly come here because of lack of publicity. The festival is expected to open the doors for them. In the process, the local economy is also expected to get a boost. We are all ready to welcome them with traditional grandeur,” said Chow Pingiya, a volunteer at the festival.
Pingiya, who is also a local, said the “festival is dedicated to showcase the distinctive culture, customs, traditional dresses, folk dances, melodies and the cuisine of the Tangsas”. Who knows, the ‘Indian’ Bermuda Triangle might just turn out to be the next tourist-puller of the region.
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Tripping on a shoestring
PANGSAU PASS WINTER FESTIVAL, ARUNACHAL PRADESH |
| Indian Express - Dec 21, 2008 |
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 The Pangsau Pass region in the Patkai Range of Arunachal Pradesh, about 12 km from Nampong, is known for its dense forests and deep gorges on either side. But the region is also famous as the meeting point of different ethnic communities in Arunachal and Myanmar, which is across the border. “While trade fairs have been a common feature with people from both sides taking part, we thought a festival would be a good platform,” says M Roy, additional deputy commissioner, Jairampur. Now, in its third year, the three-day festival at Nampong has become a major draw for tourists from across India and even the world. The next edition begins on January 20.
Though Indians require an Inner Line Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh, organisers have eased registration with officials posted at the Assam-Arunachal border. There is a guest house at Nampong, but it is usually booked for most of the year. There are enough homestay options though. Lodging is cheap, for as little as Rs 300 per day per person, but be sure to book ahead.
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| Festive bonanza |
| Nandini Guha, The Personal Telegraph |
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 Every January Nampong Village on the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh comes alive with a three-day tribal fair. And preparations are already on for the festival to be held from January 20, 2009. Last year, 11 tribes from Arunachal participated in the fair along with a few tribes from Myanmar (no passports are required for the duration of the fair to enter India). Expect a lot of music, dancing and community feasts. Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism department promotes the festival.
Getting to Nampong is easy. From Dibrugarh airport a one-hour bus ride will get you to Tinsukia from where you can take a direct bus to Nampong. This is a three-hour journey. In Nampong you can stay at the government circuit house but you must book this well in advance as it has only three rooms. Otherwise, you can stay in Tinsukia/Dibrugarh where there are plenty of good hotels. In Nampong you can shop at the Pangsau Pass Bazaar across the international border in Myanmar or enjoy a boat ride in the tranquil Lake of No Return. It’s cold in January, so carry heavy woollens.
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THE NEW HORIZON, SIKKIM |
 The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival held annually to promote eco-tourism along with the culture and cuisine of the region is being held from Jan 20-22 Jan every year. The venue, Nampong and its vicinity is famous for the historical monuments like the Stillwell road stretches that ends in China, the Word WAR Cemetery, the Hell Gate, the Lake of No Return and the Pangsau Pass. For the tourists a major part of the attraction will be the experiencing Tangsa Culture and cuisine. The traditional sports are the other attraction along with the rare flora and fauna of the region. Large numbers of domestic and European tourists are expected to visit as numerous bookings from established tour operators have already been made.
The Namchik Valley Society for Eco Tourism and Wild Life Conservation who had organized successful Butterfly India Meet event in 2006, the first ever in entire North East, also involves itself in organizing nature trails, butterfly watching events for nature enthusiasts who are interested to witness the rare flora and fauna of the region. This time the organizers have decided to experiment include “Living with Nature” accommodation for the guest from abroad.
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THE EXOTIC SOUTH EAST ASIA, SIKKIM |
 Held every year in January, the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is witnessing increasing popularity. The 3 day festival promotes eco tourism along with culture and cuisine of the region. The venue, Nampong and its vicinity is famous for the historical monuments like the Stillwell road stretches that ends in China, the Word WAR Cemetery, the Hell Gate, the Lake of No Return and the Pangsau Pass. For the tourists a major part of the attraction will be the experiencing Tangsa Culture and cuisine. The traditional sports are the other attraction along with the rare flora and fauna of the region.
The ethnic extravaganza illuminated cultures of the tribal societies dwelling on the foothills the dawn lit mountains, the unsullied valleys of the Seven Sisters and the evergreen tracts of neighboring nation, Myanmar.
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