Reh Festival

Reh is the most important festival of the Idu Mishmi community of the Dibang and Lower Dibang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated every February to reinforce the bond of brotherhood (golden thread) that ties together the extended Idu Mishmi family across villages.

The festival is held principally in and around Roing in Lower Dibang Valley and Anini in Dibang Valley, two of the most remote district headquarters in India.

• Idu Mishmi priests (Igu) chanting through the night
• Mithun offerings binding extended Idu families
• Traditional Idu shawls with distinctive woven patterns
• Community dances in Roing and remote Anini

• Rare access to Idu Mishmi spiritual life in the upper Dibang valley
• Pair with Mehao Lake and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
• One of the most remote festivals on the calendar

Reh is an ancient Idu Mishmi festival rooted in the community's Donyi-Polo (Sun-Moon) belief and the ritual authority of the Igu (priest). It was traditionally held by individual extended families when they could host it; today, a public celebration is held at Roing each February with the support of Arunachal Pradesh Tourism.

• Annual dates: typically 1–6 February (six days) for the public state-level celebration at Roing.
• Main venues: Reh Ground at Roing, Lower Dibang Valley; village-level Reh continues to be held independently in Idu Mishmi villages across Dibang and Lower Dibang valleys.

The Idu Mishmi are one of three Mishmi sub-groups (alongside the Digaru and Miju Mishmi), concentrated in the Dibang basin. They are matrilineally inflected and tightly clan-based, with a small total population spread across some of the highest and most forested terrain in Arunachal Pradesh.

Idu Mishmi men and women wear distinctive shawls and tunics with woven geometric patterns. The Igu (priest), who chants for hours through Reh, is a central figure in the community's spiritual life.

Reh reinforces the kinship pact between Idu Mishmi families and seeks the blessings of ancestor spirits for the well-being of the community and its livestock. Mithun (Bos frontalis) sacrifices are central to the ritual exchange.

• Igu priests chanting through the night.
• Mithun offerings binding extended Idu Mishmi families.
• Traditional Idu shawls with distinctive woven patterns.
• Community dances at Roing and the remote Anini.
• Idu Mishmi cuisine and rice-beer (yu).

• Air: Dibrugarh Airport (DIB), ~155 km from Roing, is the most convenient.
• Rail: Tinsukia Junction is the nearest railhead.
• Road: From Dibrugarh / Tinsukia, Roing is a 4–5 hour drive via the Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola–Sadiya bridge). Anini, deeper into the Dibang valley, is a further 9–10 hour drive from Roing on rough mountain roads.

Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh; apply online via the e-ILP portal.

Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) arranged through a registered tour operator. Dibang Valley is a sensitive border area; apply at least 6 weeks in advance.

February in Roing is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures around 15–22 °C and nights around 6–10 °C. Anini, at higher altitude, is significantly colder. Pack warm layers and a windproof jacket.

Roing has a small set of guesthouses and a circuit house. Anini's accommodation is very limited (mostly the circuit house and a few homestays); book through a registered Arunachal tour operator well in advance.

• Igu priest portraits should always be requested; soft morning light works best at Reh Ground.
• Carry rain covers and extra batteries — the drive in is hard on equipment and the cold drains batteries fast.
• A 24–70 mm zoom covers most situations; add a 70–200 mm if you plan to photograph the Anini-end celebrations.

• Mehao Lake and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Bhismaknagar Fort ruins.
• Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (around Anini).
• Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola–Sadiya bridge) — the longest road bridge in India over water.

A curated selection of photographs from Reh Festival. All images are placeholders until license-cleared festival-specific photographs are sourced — see our photography policy.

Reh Festival is a living cultural event hosted by the Idu Mishmi community. Please attend as a respectful guest, not a spectator.

• Day 1 — Arrive Dibrugarh, cross the Brahmaputra and drive to Roing in Lower Dibang Valley.
• Day 2 — Visit Mehao Lake and the Bhismaknagar archaeological site; evening with an Idu Mishmi homestay host.
• Day 3 — Drive up to Mayudia Pass for high-altitude rhododendron forests and Himalayan views.
• Day 4 — Full day at the Reh ground in Roing or Anini: Idu Mishmi shaman (Igu) chants, mithun sacrificial rituals and community feast.
• Day 5 — Second festival day for the inter-village dances and weaving demonstrations.
• Day 6 — Visit Mishmi villages along the Dibang and return to Dibrugarh for departure.