Sangken festival is a Buddhist festival celebrated by the Khamtis in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh on 14th April. Sangken festival in Arunachal Pradesh also marks the beginning of a new year. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Buddha so that he can bless the mankind with prosperity.
Sangken festival in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated for three consecutive days. During these three days, the image of Lord Buddha is given a ceremonial bath. A huge procession is carried out throughout the area with the image of Lord Buddha. The procession is accompanied by the music of drums. People sing religious songs. Holy water is sprinkled all over the place to symbolize peace and purity.
On the final day of the Arunachal Pradesh Sangken festival, the images are taken back to the original place from where it was taken out. During Sangken festival at Arunachal Pradesh, women make sweets at home and distribute them in the whole area. Gifts are also exchanged with relatives and close friends. The whole festival ends with prayers for a prosperous new year.
Since Sangken festival marks the beginning of the new year for one of the oldest tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, one can see people dressed up in new clothes and ornaments, taste the delicious regional food cooked and witness the traditions and cultural diversity of this north eastern state of India.
Last Updated on 03 January 2011
