(Last Updated on : 04/06/2014)
Itanagar, the capital of India's largest North Eastern state, Arunachal Pradesh
, is scattered with light, earthquake-proof, wooden-framed buildings rising up the slopes of green hills. Traditional huts are strewn amongst the more recent constructions. The residence of the Governor crowns one of the peaks while a new Buddhist Temple crowns the other. Between them lie administrative officers, shops, daily bazaars and thatched houses. Itanagar is an important transport hub of the state. Itanagar is often known for the tribal drink, the Apong, a rice beer which is drunk when it is warm. This is made by the Nyishi tribals. One can identify them by their massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. Among the major modern day building Raj Bhawan is the most prominent.
History of Itanagar
While the history of pre modern days is not much known, it is popularly believed that the ancient forefathers who migrated to the land of Arunachal Pradesh and Itanagar were of tribal origin who resided in the jungles of the region. Early writings of Arunachal Pradesh can be traced till Maharashtra
and Vedic Period
. According to local legends originally the place had Hinduism as a major religion which later on included Buddhism
as well. Buddhism was carried over by building the most Buddhist temple that was worshipped by Padma Sambhava. As such the history of Itanagar frames the cultural background of the people of Itanagar which is often reflected festivals and other social occasions of Itanagar.
Geography of Itanagar
Itanagar is located at 27degree 06'N to 93 degree 37'E. Located at an average elevation of 440 metres or 1443 feet, it is considered as a major hill station of north east.
Demography of Itanagar
The place has common tribes who inhabit the area from prehistoric times. The major tribes are the Nyishis, Adis, Galos, Apatanis and the Miri's.
Culture of Itanagar
Itanagar is surrounded with a number of legendary temples which celebrates numerous festivals. Among the most prominent are the festivals of Monpas, Reh and a number of Buddhist festivals and Hindu rituals which are celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. Large number of people participates exhibiting a lot of enthusiasm and participation from common mass of people. With some popular Buddhist shrines this is one of the most celebrated places in Arunachal Pradesh.
People of Itanagar are largely Buddhist who among which there are communities who are either warriors or scholars or simply cultivators. Dressed in ceremonial robes the people of Itanagar celebrate each occasion with a lot of participation.
Education in Itanagar
Itanagar has an average literacy rate of 69%.While the male literacy is upto 61% the female literacy is 61%. As such the place is moderately educated. Itanagar has some important educational centres like Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan a Premier Publics School, North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Nirjuli) - an engineering institute providing innovative way of education, Arunachal University (Doimukh) and Government Piggery and Poultry Farm (Nirjuli), Indira Gandhi Park.
Tourism in Itanagar
Itanagar is one of the most picturesque cities of Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded with lavish greenery it has some of most popular tourist spots. Among the most prominent places The Buddhist Temple, Gyakar Sinyi Lake, The State Museum and Polo Park along with some more historical sights which are well maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India
. These are the Ita fort of Itanagar, Malinithan, Noksaparbat, Bhismaknagar and some more sites which has been excavated and maintained for tourism in Itanagar. Along with its tourism Itanagar is an ideal place for trekking, hiking, angling, rafting and rock climbing.