The Tagin people are primarily farmers and practice shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn farming.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday launched the trailer of a feature film, ‘Love in 90s’ in Delhi. This is the first movie based on the Tagin community of Arunachal Pradesh. The film directed by Tapen Natam depicted the local culture, lifestyle and other aspects of the community. Rijiju said the film has shown the culture and tradition of the state very well and expressed confidence that it will become a hit.
Few minutes left as we are all ready… #LoveIn90s pic.twitter.com/gemCpiMynY
— Kiren Rijiju (मोदी का परिवार) (@KirenRijiju) May 6, 2023
The Tagin or Ghasi Miri tribe is one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh in India, which is a member of the larger designation of Tani Tribes, the descendants of Abu Tani. Most Tagins are in Upper Subansiri district but are also found to be dispersed among the adjoining districts especially in West Siang and Papum Pare.
The Tagin community has a rich culture and tradition, and they celebrate various festivals throughout the year. The most important festival of the Tagins is the Si-Donyi festival, involving the veneration of the earth (si) and the sun (donyi). Si-Donyi is celebrated from 4th to 7th January every year. It is celebrated as New Year, Where the Nyibu (local priest) presides over and performs all the rituals with chanting of Uuyu Benam (celestial chantings). And sacrifice of Mithun (Gayal) for peace and prosperity in the community as a whole.
The Tagin people also have a unique system of governance, which is based on the concept of ‘danyi-piilo’ or the sun-moon god. According to this system, the village head is known as the ‘Gamgi’ and is considered to be the representative of the sun-moon god on earth. The Gamgi is responsible for the overall welfare of the village and settles disputes between villagers.
The Tagin community has faced several challenges over the years, including the loss of their land and natural resources due to development activities, as well as the impact of climate change on their agricultural practices. However, they continue to preserve their culture and tradition and work towards securing their rights and livelihoods.
Tapi Mra is the first person from Arunachal Pradesh to climb Mount Everest. He is a member of the Tagin tribe. In 2009, Tapi established the record for climbing Mount Everest as the first Arunchalee. Imja Tse, commonly known as Island Peak, is a mountain in Nepal that Tapi first conquered in 2007.