The traditional Pongtu Kuh festival was celebrated by the Tutsa community residing across Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh on 11th April.

About the Festival

• Pongtu Kuh is a traditional festival of the Tutsa tribe celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is observed mainly in Tirap and Changlang districts, with Tutnu village being an important cultural centre.
• It is an important and oldest agricultural festival celebrated on the eve of the rainy season. 
• The word “ PONGTU” is composed of two words i.e., ‘Pong’ which means ‘WIND’ and ‘Tu’ means ‘RETREATING’. 
• The festival is celebrated before the harvesting of Millet rice and to welcome the New Year and to drive out the old.
• It is aimed at fostering unity and brotherhood among the kith and kins belonging to clan and the family.
• The festival reflects the ancestral traditions, identity, and unity of the Tutsa community.

Key Features

• The celebration includes folk songs, traditional long drum performance, rituals, and indigenous attire.
• Prayers are offered to the supreme God Rangkhothak which is believed to be divine Goddess both benevolent and malevolent
• Acts as a platform for community bonding and inter-generational knowledge transfer.
• Organized with participation of community leaders, youth, and local administration.

Exam Hook 

Pongtu Kuh festival is associated with which tribe?
(a) Apatani
(b) Nyishi
(c) Tutsa
(d) Monpa

Answer: (c)

One-line wrap: Pongtu Kuh showcases how tribal festivals act as pillars of cultural preservation and regional development.

SOURCE