If you think Holi is the only color festival in India, think again. In a peaceful corner of Arunachal Pradesh, a lesser-known but deeply meaningful Sanken festival takes place every April. It’s called Sanken, and it is celebrated with water, prayers, and centuries-old traditions.
This is the story of my journey to experience Sanken festival for the first time—and why you should consider being part of it next year.
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The Journey Begins: From Roing to Namsai
After exploring most parts of Arunachal over the years, there was one event I had not yet witnessed—the Sanken Festival in Namsai. Every year, I would hear stories about golden pagodas, sacred rituals, and water offerings. This time, I decided to go see it myself.
I left Roing early in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten. The ride through narrow roads and green fields felt peaceful. After a few hours, the golden top of a pagoda appeared near the river. That’s when I knew I had reached the right place.
The First Morning at the Golden Pagoda
At 6 AM, the Golden Pagoda of Tengapani looked calm and beautiful. Local people were already there, quietly pouring water on a small structure and bowing their heads. The air smelled of flowers and sandalwood.
Some monks were bathing a statue of Lord Buddha with scented water. Others were collecting different types of leaves in pots. I saw a child dressed as a peacock dancing joyfully. A man walked past me wearing a golden deer costume. It all felt like a scene from a storybook.
I wanted to understand what was happening. So I started asking questions.
Why Water in Sanken Festival? Understanding the Ritual
I met a local leader and asked, “What is the purpose of the water in the Sanken festival?”
He smiled and explained,
“We believe that Lord Buddha comes to Earth during Sanken. His divine presence makes the Earth very hot. So we pour water on him to cool the Earth. It also marks the beginning of our new year.”
This idea stayed in my mind all day: water not as play, but as prayer.
The Legend Behind Sanken Festival
Later, I met a senior monk who told me the full story behind Sanken festival . It was not just a festival—it was a story passed down through generations.
Long ago, some divine beings came down from the heavens to visit Earth. They were so amazed by its beauty and sweet fruits that they chose to stay. One of them, Khunsaang, later flew back to the sixth heaven and became very wise and respected. But another god, full of jealousy, tricked Khunsaang’s daughters into revealing his secret. He was beheaded, and when his head fell to Earth, it became so hot that even the oceans started drying up.
Only his four daughters could lift the head, and only for one day each. That moment when one daughter passed the head to another became known as Sankranti—a new beginning. Over time, this event became Sanken, the Tai Buddhist festival of water and renewal.
A Unique Sanken Festival with Deep Meaning
The name Sanken comes from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, which means a transition or change. In this case, it marks the sun moving into a new zodiac sign in April. For the local Tai Khamti and Tai Singpho communities, it is also the start of the new year.
In three ancient pagodas—Phaning, Mapai Seng, and Empong—and especially at the Golden Pagoda of Tengapani, the statue of Buddha is brought out and bathed with scented water for three days. People also pour water on the hands and feet of the lamas. Then, the holy water is collected and used to bless homes.
Water, Leaves, and Rituals for Everyone
There’s a special detail that makes this festival even more personal. The water is poured using one of seven types of leaves, depending on your birthday:
- If you were born on Sunday, you use a Nahar leaf.
- On Monday, it’s soft grass.
- Tuesday, a jackfruit leaf.
- Wednesday, bamboo.
- Thursday, Tulsi.
- Friday, a plantain leaf.
- Saturday, coconut.
This connection between nature, time, and tradition is simple yet powerful.
I also changed into a traditional Tai Khamti dress called the Panoy (also known as a Taimati Lungyi). Everyone was preparing for the main event.
When the Celebration Begins
Soon, a grand procession began inside the pagoda grounds. Traditional dances like the Golden Deer Dance, Cock Dance, and Peacock Dance brought the entire space to life. These dances are not just for show—they are based on old stories passed down through folk traditions.
Then came the moment of joy everyone was waiting for—the water celebration.
People of all ages, from children to elders, began splashing water on each other with laughter and excitement. It reminded me of Holi, but with more meaning and calmness.
Visitors from Thailand also joined. They come every year to celebrate Sanken, which is similar to their Songkran Festival. This is because the Tai communities of Arunachal share cultural roots with people in Thailand and Laos. During Sanken, dancers and musicians from Thailand perform on stage, adding to the festive mood.
The Final Day and A Peaceful Ending
On the third day, the idol of Buddha is bathed once more with the same scented water and returned to its original place inside the temple. The rituals end with peaceful chants and silent prayers.
After three days of devotion and joy, the Sanken Festival comes to a quiet close. But the feeling stays much longer.
Why You Should Experience Sanken
If you love discovering hidden festivals, deep traditions, and peaceful cultures, the Sanken Festival is worth your journey. It offers not just celebration, but understanding—of people, beliefs, and the silent power of water.
Next April, when the sun enters a new zodiac and the sacred head is passed once again, you could be here—at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai—welcoming the new year in a way you’ve never done before.
Travel Guide to Sanken Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
- Where: Namsai District, Arunachal Pradesh
- Main Site: Golden Pagoda of Tengapani
- When: Mid-April every year (aligned with Sankranti)
- Duration: 3 Days
- Major Attractions:
- Buddha bathing rituals
- Leaf-based water blessings
- Peacock & Golden Deer folk dances
- Cultural fusion with Thai performers
- Spiritual processions and food stalls
Planning to Visit?
You can watch more travel vlogs on my YouTube channel: ShivaTells
And if you have questions about the route, stay options, or local guides, feel free to reach out. I’ll be happy to help.
Let this be the year you experience a different side of India.
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