Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – Arunachal Pradesh celebrated its 40th Statehood Day on February 20 with a series of official events that highlighted both the state’s cultural heritage and its development priorities.
Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik presided over the main ceremony at Indira Gandhi Park, unfurling the national flag and urging balanced progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods while safeguarding indigenous traditions. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also addressed the gathering, reviewing achievements in connectivity and social welfare.
The anniversary commemorates February 20, 1987, when Arunachal Pradesh became India’s 24th state under the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986. Formerly known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), the region was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and granted Union Territory status in 1972 before attaining full statehood 15 years later.
The day was observed as a public holiday across the state. Exhibitions by government departments showcased welfare schemes and development projects, while Self-Help Groups and local entrepreneurs displayed handicrafts and agricultural produce, reflecting grassroots economic initiatives.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the celebrations, with traditional dances such as the Aka, Nocte, and Tapu war dances highlighting the state’s ethnic diversity. Food stalls and a cultural night rounded off the festivities.
Four decades after achieving statehood, the occasion served both as a reminder of Arunachal Pradesh’s political journey and as a platform to project its aspirations for unity and sustainable growth in a strategically important border region.
