Solung

The Solung Festival is a major agricultural festival celebrated by the Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Held annually in early September, it marks the beginning of the harvest season and is dedicated to deities for prosperity, protection, and the well-being of the community.^[1] The festival is deeply rooted in Adi traditions and reflects their strong connection with nature and agriculture.^[2]

The festival lasts for five days and is divided into different phases. The first day, called Solung-Gidi Dogin, involves the preparation and distribution of rice beer and local delicacies. The second day, known as Doreph-Long, is marked by animal sacrifices, primarily mithuns and pigs, to appease deities and ensure agricultural prosperity.^[3] The third day features Binnýat, where prayers and offerings are made to Kine Nane, the goddess of crops, Doying Bote, the god of wisdom and protection, and Gumin Soyin, the guardian deity of households.^[4] The fourth and fifth days include traditional dances such as Ponung, performed by Adi women, and the ceremonial exchange of food and gifts within the community.^[5]