Arunachal Pradesh, India: The land of the rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh is located in the extreme northeast corner of India. Living in isolated splendour, this state shares borders with Tibet, Myanmar, Bhutan and China. With thick forests and deep riverine valleys, this virgin land is also blessed with a salubrious climate.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 unique tribal communities, each of which maintains distinct custom, traditions, language, dress and festival. While not immune to the far-reaching clutches of modernity, these tribes have still sought to retain a simple way of life. Mostly occupying river valleys, these tribes have also moved to subtropical rainforests, alpine meadows and even glacial terrains.
Above, the Apatani tribe of the fertile Ziro valley is pictured. They live in simple wooden houses all stacked closely against each other. The local cuisine comprises mainly of smoked meat (pork and mithun) and a lot of yam (absolutely delicious!). During meals, the family sits around a big hearth and drinks hot tea to keep warm.