Dong, India’s easternmost village in Arunachal Pradesh, will welcome 2026 with its first Sunrise Festival. Scheduled from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026, the festival celebrates the first rays of the sun that fall on Indian soil daily at Dong. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the festival emphasizing Dong’s unique spot. He said, “Dong, where India witnesses its first sunrise, is set to host the State’s first-ever Sunrise Festival for five days.” The festival aims to blend nature, culture, and adventure while highlighting the rich heritage of the Meyor community living in Dong Valley. Located 1,240 meters above sea level at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Dong holds significant geographical and cultural importance. State tourism officials said the festival will gather communities, artists, scholars, and travelers nationwide and worldwide. The festival’s motto is “no trash, no trace, no excuses,” promoting sustainable tourism. Visitors can expect sunrise ceremonies, cultural performances, guided treks, river activities, camping, folk art, local foods, and storytelling sessions. Dong is 7 km from Walong, a historic site during the 1962 Chinese aggression, and around 200 km from the nearest airport in Tezu. This unique festival hopes to put Dong on the global tourism map and create new livelihoods locally.