Dree

Dree is an agriculture related festival celebrated by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is observed at a time when the crops are growing. During the Dree of Arunachal Pradesh, the gods and goddesses of crops such as Metii god, Danyi Pilo, Tamu God, and Sky God are worshiped and prayed to seek their blessings for the protection of their crops from both natural and man made dangers. All these gods and goddesses together are known as Dree or Dri Wuhi.

During the festival of Dree in Arunachal Pradesh, women prepare beer from rice and offer it to their son, brothers, son-in-laws, etc. as a gesture of affection. In return they offer them, a piece of bacon or roasted meat of mithun-cow. The women sing a special song called Damingda on the day of the Dree festival to invite men and god to the festivity.

After the festival of Dree at Arunachal Pradesh is over, a seven day taboo period is kept in which people cannot work on their agricultural land, they cannot bring green vegetables and woods, otherwise, all the virtue of the rituals conducted during the Dree festival would not be successful.

Dree of Arunachal Pradesh has achieved recognition not only in the state but also outside it. The festival is being celebrated continuously at Nenchaya since the year 1967 near the old town of Ziro. Every year Dree in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated from 4th to 7th of July.

Arunachal Pradesh Dree is one of the most famous events of the state as it is not just about a religious ceremony, the festival hosts various sports and games and cultural events such as folk dance and songs.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011