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About Mopin

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About Mopin

Mopin is the main festival of the Galo people of Arunachal Pradesh, held every year from 5 April. It is kept in the West Siang, Lower Siang and Leparada districts, with the biggest gatherings in Aalo and Basar, and by Galo families in Itanagar and beyond.

The festival honours Mopin, who brings plenty, good crops and good health. It falls in spring, before the new sowing season, and people pray to drive away bad luck and welcome a year of rich harvests.

The best-known custom is the white rice flour paste. People gently put it on each other's cheeks as a blessing of peace and plenty. Women in white traditional dress perform the graceful Popir dance, and families share apong rice beer, rice packed in leaves and festive meat dishes.

Today Mopin is a proud day of Galo culture, with prayers, songs, dances and food stalls. Friends from other communities join in, and everyone is welcome to share in the blessings.

How people celebrate Mopin

  • White rice flour paste on the cheeks as a blessing
  • The Popir dance by women in white dress
  • Prayers for good crops and good health
  • Apong rice beer and rice packed in leaves
  • Gatherings in Aalo and Basar
  • Songs and dances late into the evening

How to wish well

  • Greet Galo friends on 5 April, the main day.
  • Wishes for plenty, good harvests, health and peace suit Mopin best.
  • If someone puts rice flour on your cheek, it is a warm blessing; smile and wish them back.
  • A simple "Happy Mopin" in English or Hindi is welcome.

Questions about Mopin

When is Mopin celebrated?

Mopin is celebrated on 5 April every year, with festivities going on for a few days.

Who celebrates Mopin?

The Galo people of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly in the West Siang, Lower Siang and Leparada districts.

Why do people put rice flour on their faces during Mopin?

The white rice flour paste is a blessing. It stands for peace, purity and plenty for the year ahead.

What is the Popir dance?

A graceful group dance performed by Galo women in white traditional dress during Mopin.

Is Mopin a holiday?

Yes, it is a holiday in Arunachal Pradesh.

What do you say on Mopin?

Say "Happy Mopin" and wish people a year of good crops and good health.

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