Pasighat

Welcome to Pasighat, the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat was founded in 1911 A.D. by the British as a gateway to administrative convenience of the greater Abor Hills and the north area in general. Primarily there were settlements of Pasi and Minyong communities who are still living in the villages in and around Pasighat. Year 2011 (January) marked 100 years of its existence and this occasion was celebrated in the DSA Ground (in February last week) after having extended the function for more than half a dozen times, thereby creating a mass public irritation.

Geography

Pasighat is located at 28.07°N 95.33°E. It has an average elevation of 153 metres (501 ft). The area experiences tropical humid climate during summer and dry mild winter. The place is known for receiving the highest rainfall in a single year. In fact Pasighat and the area around it receive heavy rainfall every year during monsoon season starting from May until September. The unique trough like features surrounded by high hills on all three sides make this place ideal for attracting rain bearing cloud which come in from the Assam plain. The rain bearing wind gets obstructed by the hills and brings heavy downpour. Winter is marked by cold dry local seasonal wind which blows throughout the winter. This factor contributes in making this place fog-free even in winter. The Brahmaputra emerges from the foothills under the name of Dihang or Siang. It enters India as Dihang, west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh. Flowing south-west, it receives its main left bank tributaries, viz. Dibang and Lohit; thereafter, it is known as the Brahmaputra. Then it races across the Pasighat (north of Assam) heading for the Assam plains as the mighty Brahmaputra. 

Culture

The people of Pasighat celebrate a variety of festivals. The Mopin and Solung are two important festivals here. Mopin is a festival that is celebrated to drive away all the evil spirits which are supposed to bring bad luck. The locals pray that the cursed shadows are not allowed and that any kind of natural calamity is avoided. The deity that is worshiped is the deity of welfare and wisdom. It is held for five days in the month of April. Locals celebrate this festival before sowing paddy. Popir is a popular dance that is danced during Mopin. This is a very elegant dance.

Legend has it that the festival regarded as Solung, which is the principle festival of the Adis, came into its illustrious existence when the Goddess of wealth, Kine-Kane had asked them in person to carry out this worship or 'puja'. Although there are a plenty of theories that vouch for its beginning but this one is the most widely accredited and accepted.

Solung is celebrated by the Adis for five days. The first day or the Solung Gidi Dogin is the day when they prepare for this event. Doreph Long, the second day is the day of animal slaughters. Binayat Binam or the third day is the day of prayers. Yaktor of Ekoph is the fourth day and on this day arms and ammunition are manufactured. Miri or the fifth day is the day of farewell. The songs that are sung during Solung are the lyrics of Solung Abung that show the life of humans, animals, plants, etc. Solung is celebrated in August.

Tourism

Pasighat is the land of the mighty Siang and indigenous hanging bridges. Round cane rings, swinging strings, shattered wooden pavements dangling above the mighty Siang makes it a picture perfect moment of thrill and adventure.

The pleasant waterfall graces the mountain cliffs and chills the vicinity. The musical tumbling sound of the water, the cool breezes procreating from the waterfall dips down the temperature. The songs of the birds, the fragrances of the forest after the rains are simply overpowering. The places of attraction in the town are:

• The Daying Ering Sanctuary: The Daying Ering Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, India is one of the most popular wildlife parks of the state. Spread over an area of 190 sq. km., alluvial grasslands form the major area and wooded areas constitute about 15%. The rest is water.
• Pangin: Pangin is situated at a distance of about 60 km from Pasighat, and connected by road. It stands at a point where River Siyom meets River Siang and presents a rare sight. The blue waters of Siom meet the green Sinag and the beauty of the site is to be seen to be believed. Besides above, the district is endowed with some exquisite scenic locations particularly on both sides of the Siang. There are also a number of rare plants and herbs which are of medicinal importance. Botanists and Zoologists can have ample scope for study of the rich plant and wildlife resources.
• Kekar Monying: A mountain cliff near Rottung is an important historical place because it was here that the Adi put up a strong resistance against the British in 1911. The war was a part of a punitive expedition undertaken by the British for murdering Noel Williamson, a political officer in the previous year by Matmur Jamoh, a native of Yagrung village.
• Komsing: A village on the left bank of the Siang is the place of Williamson's murder. A stone epitaph bearing the name of Noel. Williamson still lies near the Siang. GOMSI, a cultivation area near Rani Village is another place of historical importance. In June, 1996 a team of archaeologists led by Shri T. Tada, Deputy Director, Archaeology of the Research Department conducted a trial excavation and survey in the site. They have found broken pieces of different evidence, of glorious past culture of early medieval period (probably Pre-Ahom).