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About Solung

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About Solung

Solung is the biggest festival of the Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh. It begins on 1 September, after the sowing of seeds and the transplanting of paddy, and is a prayer for a rich harvest and healthy animals.

Families pray to Kine Nane, the mother of crops, and to Doying Bote, who looks after domestic animals. The festival is kept in East Siang, Siang, Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley, with the biggest gatherings in Pasighat.

Women dance the Ponung in a circle, led by a singer who tells old stories in song. Homes are cleaned, relatives visit, and families share apong rice beer, rice, smoked meat and fresh greens.

Today Solung is both a harvest prayer and a celebration of Adi pride, with cultural shows, games and food. Adi families who live in towns and cities come home to their villages for it.

How people celebrate Solung

  • Prayers to Kine Nane for good crops
  • Prayers to Doying Bote for healthy animals
  • The Ponung dance in a circle
  • Apong rice beer and smoked meat
  • Visits to relatives in the village
  • Cultural shows in Pasighat

How to wish well

  • Greet Adi friends from 1 September, the first day.
  • Wishes for a rich harvest, healthy animals and family unity suit Solung.
  • Ask about the Ponung dance or the village feast; people love to share their stories.
  • "Happy Solung" in English or Hindi is welcome everywhere.

Questions about Solung

When is Solung celebrated?

Solung begins on 1 September every year, and the main celebrations last about three days.

Who celebrates Solung?

The Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly in the East Siang, Siang, Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts.

Why is Solung celebrated?

It is a prayer for a good harvest and healthy animals, held after the sowing and transplanting of paddy.

What is the Ponung dance?

A circle dance performed by Adi women during Solung, led by a singer who tells old stories in song.

Whom do the Adi pray to during Solung?

Kine Nane, the mother of crops, and Doying Bote, who protects domestic animals.

What do you say on Solung?

Say "Happy Solung" and wish people a rich harvest.

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