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About Dree Festival

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About Dree Festival

Dree is the farming festival of the Apatani people of Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh. It is held on 5 July, when the paddy is growing in the fields, and asks for the crops to be kept safe from pests, storms and hunger.

Priests offer prayers to Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang, the spirits linked with crops, health and the land. Families offer rice, eggs and apong rice beer, and pray for a full granary and a healthy village.

A much loved Dree custom is the sharing of cucumbers, the fresh fruit of the season, at the festival ground. People also enjoy songs, dances, games and the famous Apatani food.

Ziro valley, with its paddy fields that also raise fish and its pine-covered hills, is at its greenest during Dree. Apatani families everywhere wish each other a year of good harvests.

How people celebrate Dree Festival

  • Prayers for crops safe from pests and storms
  • Offerings of rice, eggs and apong
  • Sharing fresh cucumbers at the festival ground
  • Songs, dances and games in Ziro
  • Green paddy fields that also raise fish

How to wish well

  • Greet Apatani friends on 5 July or during the festival days.
  • Wishes about green fields, a full granary and good health suit Dree.
  • A wish that mentions Ziro valley or sharing cucumbers will bring a smile.
  • Keep wishes warm and respectful; the prayers are a living faith.

Questions about Dree Festival

When is the Dree Festival?

Dree is celebrated on 5 July every year, with celebrations from 4 to 7 July.

Who celebrates Dree?

The Apatani people of Ziro valley in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Why is Dree celebrated?

It is a prayer to keep the growing paddy safe from pests, storms and famine, and to bring a good harvest.

Why are cucumbers shared at Dree?

Cucumbers are the fresh fruit of the season. Sharing them at the festival ground is a happy custom of togetherness.

Whom do the Apatani pray to at Dree?

To Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang, spirits linked with the crops, health and the land.

What do you say on Dree?

Say "Happy Dree" and wish people green fields and a good harvest.

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