New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh has a rich topography and diverse flora and fauna. The state is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” and is bordered by Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. Arunachal Pradesh has lively festivals like Losar, Nyokum, and Dree that showcase its traditions. The state’s culture includes handicrafts, traditional dance, and rich folklore.
Arunachal Pradesh became a Union Territory on January 20, 1972, and got full statehood on February 20, 1987. It is the largest state among the “Seven Sister States” of Northeastern India, covering an area of 83,743 sq. km. In this article, let us look at the state symbols of Arunachal Pradesh.
State Symbols of Arunachal Pradesh
The state symbols of Arunachal Pradesh represent its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife. They reflect the state’s mountains, plants, animals, and cultural values.
State Emblem
The state emblem shows the sun rising between two mountain peaks. These peaks symbolise the Komdi and Daphabum mountains. Arunachal Pradesh is the first place in India to see sunlight, which is represented by the rising sun. Below the sun, a Mithun bison, the state animal, rests between the peaks. On either side of the mountains, two hornbills, the state bird, stand as guardians. The emblem’s mountains and sunrise reflect the meaning of Arunachal Pradesh, “the Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains.” The national emblem of India is at the top centre of the state emblem.
State Animal of Arunachal Pradesh
The Mithun (Bos frontalis) is the state animal and holds religious and cultural significance for the tribal people. It was declared the state animal in 1987. The Adi, Mishmi, and Nyishi tribes believe owning a Mithun signifies wealth and social status. Mithuns roam freely in the jungle and are mainly used for ceremonial rituals and festivals, where they are sacrificed for offerings and feasts. It is also traditional for the groom’s family to give a Mithun as a gift to the bride’s family when arranging a marriage.
State Bird of Arunachal Pradesh
The great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is the state bird. It is culturally important for many tribes and is part of various rituals. Hornbills often live in rainforest canopies. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to hunting for their beaks and feathers and habitat loss from deforestation. They are on the IUCN’s protected list and are cared for in Pakke Tiger Reserve and Namdapha National Park. Traditionally, the Nyishi tribe wore hornbill beaks on their caps to show courage and manhood. They now work to protect hornbills to help their population recover.
State Flower of Arunachal Pradesh
The state flower is the Foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), known locally as Kopou Phool. It has clusters of about 100 pink-spotted white flowers and blooms from April to September. The flower symbolises joy and fertility and is popular in spring festivals. Its leaves have antiseptic properties and can be used on wounds. Additionally, they help treat malaria, dysentery, and menstrual issues. The foxtail orchid is highly sought after in horticulture and the orchid trade for its beauty.
State Tree of Arunachal Pradesh
The Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus) is the state tree. It is common in northeastern India and is a medium hardwood tree with medicinal benefits. It can grow up to 150 feet tall and thrives in dense forests. Its bark produces oleoresin, which helps relieve muscle and joint pain. Hollong bears fruit from January to March and blooms from June to July. Some tribes consider it sacred. However, due to heavy use in the plywood and logging industries, the IUCN Red List classified it as vulnerable.
Arunachal Pradesh, the ‘Land of the Rising Sun,’ is home to diverse wildlife and cultural traditions. Its state symbols—the Mithun, Great Hornbill, Foxtail Orchid, Hollong Tree, and unique emblem—reflect its rich biodiversity and heritage. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
