Apatani Custom:
A Glimpse into the unique lifestyle of Ziro’s Enthralling Tribe
Arunachal Pradesh, the cold, forested landscape, hiding unparalleled diversity with several specialist species, rain-forests, countless valleys, enormous diversity of flora and ageless forests also conceals some little-known communities of the nation.
The land of 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is home to distinct ethnic groups and some indigenous clans. To learn more about these tribes, let's get into the magnificent terrain of Ziro Valley, home to the Apatanis.
The Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh lies at an elevation of about 500 feet above sea level. Surrounded by formidable mountain ranges, this valley has been inhabited by the Apatani Tribes, (the third largest tribal group residing in Arunachal Pradesh) for centuries.
Unlike the other tribes, Apatanis themselves are so interesting. Non-nomadic in nature, they are endowed with land-use practices. Been the first one to accept modernity, their colorful culture, varied festivals, appealing handloom designs, art in cane and bamboo, and captivating structure happen to be so unique.
The wet cultivation plexus with an organized agricultural design is comprehensive even without using any machine accouterments. Meanwhile, the ethnic clan is receiving acclamation for their exceptional contribution toward sustainable forestry road map.
UNESCO proposed the valley for its extension as a World Heritage Site in view of the enormous high productivity and idiomatic trace to conserve the ecology.
This clan has a total of 7 villages in Ziro Valley with houses all adjacent to each other. Among the few tribes who continue to worship nature, Apatanis belief in cultural practices that offer their festivals timeless universal values.
Considered to be the most beautiful among all other tribes, traditional outfit with a rich colorful texture adds more elegance to the beauty of Apatani women. Known for their captivating large black nose plugs (Yaping hullo) and facial tattoos, these have gradually de-escalated in the recent year.
Reportedly this practice commenced making the women look unattractive to males of neighboring tribes.
Traditionally, men tie their hair in a knot just above the forehead (locally termed piiding) with a brass rod (Piiding Khotu) measuring 12 inches that are placed horizontally.
Apatanis worship traditional ethnic religion, with a culture that emerged from remnants of Tibet. Their festivals as — Myokoh, Murung, and Dree are celebrated in a whirl to keep the social fabric intact.
With limited needs and selfless love for nature, it's hard to find an individual from the tribe left hostile, warmth and courteousness received from them is what you will embrace forever. The best time to visit Ziro is December when colors are painted on the sky with soft slushy snow. Arunachal Pradesh can astound you with its serenity. Such guileless in its way.
Visit the most iconic Ziro Valley, and be a part of its splendor for a lifetime.
