SI-DONYI HILO 2026

It is celebrated from the 4 to 6 January every year. During the festival god “Si” (Si-male spiritual form of earth) and goddess “Donyi” (Donyi-female spiritual form of Sun) is being venerated in their spiritual form. Si-Donyi is the major festival celebrated among the Tagin tribe residing in upper subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh in North-eastern India. It is celebrated majorly in district headquarter Daporijo, in adjoining town Nacho, Dumporijo, Taliha, Siyum areas, also in state capital Itanagar, while in other places also it’s being celebrated by Tagin community present there. During Festivals Time Nibu or the local priest presides over the festival by chanting UI (a form of verbal prayers) to the deities, Si and Donyi in particular. For the prosperity of entire community, to stop malevolent spirits from creating destruction towards the people of community and to ask permission for quality crops and health.”Sehtu” A platform constructed of bamboos and wood, decorated with required leaves and bamboo stuffs (Nyûgé). The entire hyms and chanting and ghayal sacrifice is done around here. Another key component is dancing; dances such as Chungne, Konyi Bokar, Riabu, and Takar Ghene are performed by the groups of men and women in their traditional attires and ornaments. While older male perform Hoyi Penam which is a specially performed to welcome the spirits. While essentially Ette, a paste made of rice beer and rice powder is smeared on people’s faces in celebration. The Mithun gayal is sacrificed for the deities marking the end of festival, while celebration continues for weeks. Part of Festival Includes Cultural Night Show.