The Duhumbi Heritage Fair, on October 5th and 6th, 2024, is not a typical festival but a warm gathering for those who truly value tribal heritage. Different from the usual trappings of modern-day celebrations—no big bands, foreign liquor, DJs, or post-sunset revelry—it offers a more intimate, unadulterated experience. Participate in culinary workshops, handmade paper-making sessions, forest walks, and village strolls. Discover the valley’s vibrant natural bounty at stalls displaying wild edibles, fruits, vegetables, grains, and malts, inviting discerning, curious minds like yours to explore. Enjoy Monpa dances, music, arts, crafts, and games in an atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of slowing down."
experiences
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Culinary workshop at Damus Heritage Dine
Experience the warmth and hospitality of Damu’s Heritage Dine, an award-winning, lovingly restored fine-dine restaurant nestled in the century-old Monpa homes of Chug Valley. Immerse yourself in Monpa culinary traditions through a hands-on workshop led by gracious women from the community. Discover the unique flavors of Monpa cuisine, then enjoy a curated 7-course meal featuring Damu’s signature dishes, all made with locally sourced, forest-based ingredients—a true taste of the valley's heritage. (Limited slots only)
Paper Making Workshop
Experience the ancient art of Mon-Shugu paper-making in Arunachal Pradesh, where skilled Monpa women transform the inner rind of the Shugu-Sheng (Daphne Papyracea) plant into exquisite, eco-friendly paper. Join a workshop to learn this meticulous, sustainable craft that blends tradition with artistry, and revive a thousand-year-old cultural heritage. (Limited slot only)
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Nature Walk / Village Walk
Explore the rich biodiversity of Chug Valley through a guided Nature Walk experience. The walk offers a peaceful immersion into the valley’s diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect activity for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Through our village walks you will also explore vibrant paddy farms, stroll among blooming cosmos flowers, and interact with the friendly Monpa villagers. Visit the local museum to learn about Monpa traditions and heritage, and gain a deeper understanding of the valley’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.
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Zero Waste Local Fair
Experience the unique Zero Waste Local Fair in Chug Valley, where sustainability and community spirit unite. This event reflects our collective commitment to transforming modern habits regarding waste and single-use plastics. We are dedicated to making this a low-waste event and are declaring it a zero-waste initiative, but we need your help to achieve this goal. By pledging to minimize your personal waste, you contribute to our efforts in reducing waste at the event and promoting eco-friendly practices. Together, let's make a meaningful impact on our environment while celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
where to stay
We invite you to experience the Monpa family’s hospitality at our homestays. With only a handful of homestays available, accommodating up to 30 guests, we find this to be the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the rich Monpa culture.
While we are working on enhancing the aesthetics of these homestays, they already offer essential modern comforts, including attached western-style bathrooms, heaters, and clean linens and blankets. Your hosts are waiting to serve you simple home-cooked breakfasts and dinners that allow you to savor the flavors of the region and have conversations with you.
how to register
Since this is the first-ever Duhumbi Heritage Fair, we’re offering 300 free invites on a first-come, first-served basis! Secure your spot by booking through the link below.​
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For additional expenses such as accommodations and workshops, we’ve curated special packages that you can explore and purchase through the links provided under each category.
Complete Package​
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Bed and breakfast for 3 nights in a cozy homestay
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Village Trail
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Birdwatching/Nature Trail
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Monpa Culinary Workshop
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Shugu Sheng Paper-Making Workshop
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3 Nights Homestay Package​
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Bed and breakfast for 3 nights in a comfortable homestay
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Village Trail
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Birdwatching/Nature Trail​
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1 Night Package
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Bed and breakfast for 1 night in a cozy homestay
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Village Trail
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Birdwatching/Nature Trail​
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Note: For the Culinary Workshop and Shugu Sheng Paper-Making Workshop, the Complete Package covers both, but these workshops can also be registered separately with individual rates if you choose the other packages.
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how to reach
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By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati, with direct flights from major Indian cities. From Guwahati, you can drive to Chug Valley via Dirang.
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By Train: The closest railway stations are Tezpur and Guwahati, followed by a road journey to Dirang and then Chug.
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By Road: Chug Valley is accessible from Dirang (a one-hour drive), and visitors can hire cabs or take shared taxis for a scenic journey through the hills. Shared taxis to Dirang is available in the morning from Guwahati and Tezpur