Tagin people

The Tagin is one of the major tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, a member of the larger designation of Tani Tribes, the descendants of Abu Tani. Mostly Tagins are in Upper Subansiri district but are also found to be dispersed among the adjoining districts especially in West Siang and Papum Pare.

Religion

Originally the traditional Donyi-Poloism as a religion was being followed all around. Which follows the cult of animism and ritualistic nature worshipping in the form of spiritual deities. Where particular kind of animals or bird are sacrificed at the alter (Nyúgè-made out of the bamboos and woods with particular leaves or vines in stuffed shape) to please the spirits, more likely not anger them and keep them in their kind form. Priest or Nyibu shaman who are born with their powers are the one's who communicate and negotiate between the other world. They are the in between messager from this world to other world.

Although recent years has seen mass conversion in local community into Christianity. Which has intensified Western influx in the culture, with more and more of the people embracing western culture. Thus has lead them to leave their tradition and cultural even the dialect.

Festivals

The most important festival of the Tagins is the Si-Donyi Festival, involves 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.

Notable People

• Tapi Mra (1st Everest Climber)