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A Slice of Life at Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
It was a totally different world. Far from the ceaseless cacophony of the cities where life moves in a fast forward mode. Where families huddle around dinner tables with eyes riveted on the small screens of their smartphones oblivious to those around and wired to the virtual world. Living with the Galo tribe at Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, India opened the windows to another world, far removed from the one in which we lived.
Galo Tribe – A Strong Knit Community
Here the entire family or almost the entire village huddled cozily around the fireplace in a traditional Galo village, called Sago, nestled high up in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh not far from Basar, the district headquarters of the newly formed Basar district.
The feeling of family and community is deeply entrenched in the Galo tribe and bonds run strong. The participative nature of the people in community activities like festivals are heartening and leaves a lump in the throat.
The fireplace is, of course, the fulcrum on which the activities in a Galo home revolves. We can never forget the night we spent at the Sago village when the chill air was warmed by the energetic and soulful singing of the villagers. The songs and the conversation around the fire left a lasting impression on our minds.
Galos – Connected With Nature
It is really commendable that the Galo tribe has preserved many of its traditions and rituals while at the same time embracing contemporary values.
Though traditional hunters, today, the Galo tribe no longer hunt. The hunting weapons and trophies now adorn the walls of their houses or serve as talismans, and are dusted and brought out for use during ceremonial dances that take place during festivals.
They are traditional rice farmers who live a simple but enchanting life. Their lives seem seamlessly integrated with the environment, whether it is their bamboo homes or their traditional wine Poka being drunk in bamboo stems.
Most religions originated when Man started worshipping nature, animals, and birds out of gratitude or fear. The Galos too are nature worshippers and worship the forces of nature. Their primary deities are the Sun and the Moon whom they revere under the Donyi-Polo religion.
Galos – Music Is A Way of Life
The Galo tribe may reside in a remote part of India, but they are very well connected and one interesting connection happens to be the influence of Hindi films and music.
Most if not all of the people we met were fans of Bollywood music and were ready to reel off some evergreen hits at the drop of a hat.
Music seemed to be the rhythm of their lives as we found the women workers in the fields not only singing traditional Galo songs but also some lilting Bollywood melodies.
Galo Tribe – Where The Wisdom of The Elders Still Prevails
The respect that the younger generations hold for their elders can be seen in their eyes. As we visited the different villages in and around Basar, we met many elderly people who shared their stories with us.
What we saw in the eyes of these people was something that most of us chase for our entire lives, a sense of contentment and being at peace with the world.
This was so soothing, especially if one thinks about the pointless rat race that we all seem to be running today.
Galos – Making Strides And Yet Rooted In Tradition
What is truly remarkable is that the Galos have made remarkable progress and many of them are bureaucrats and administrators. Many of the younger generations are UPSC aspirants, yet they all seem deeply rooted and attached to their indigenous culture and traditions.
At the house of Merkel Doke, who himself is a priest and a veritable oracle when it comes to the knowledge of the ancient Galo traditions, we met his daughters who have done their Masters, yet were comfortable with the traditions and customs.
Galos – Developing A Role Model For The World To Emulate
In the frantic rush for so-called development, the world is destroying many of the age-old practices across disciplines. Be it cutting trees to make way for shopping malls or the indiscriminate use of plastic, the world is destroying itself in the name of modernization and urbanization. The crying need of the hour is to achieve a balance between the traditional and the compulsions of modern life.
The Galos of Basar, Arunachal Pradesh have emerged as role models here. They have embraced elements of contemporary lifestyles while still retaining their cultural identity and traditions.
The people of Basar, Arunachal Pradesh are showing how to say no to Plastics by organizing festivals like BASCON which is plastic free and an environment-friendly festival. Children are being taught keep the environment clean and plastic free.
Environment-friendly fishing practices are being encouraged. The youth are being encouraged to spend time productively and also participate in outdoor sports.
There is so much to learn from the way the Galos live in Basar, Arunachal Pradesh and if we were to emulate at least some of the practices we could make our villages, towns, cities, and countries a better place to live!
Have you been to Northeast part of India? Do visit Basr Arunachal Pradesh in India.
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Wow, what a wonderful post. I am so much motivated to go through your travel stories. This is the first time I came across your website, and I feel really motivated. Thank you for sharing good work. It will really me plan my trip now.
I stayed and lived in India for a year and Arrunachal Pradesh is one of the last states I haven’ visited. I always regret this decision and your article reminded me of that one more time. I will definitely visit when I come to India the next time 🙂
Visiting Tribes while travelling was always my dream! I feel like those people are so nice, carrying and lovely! I love how much respect they have for each other and how much they love their family! I havent been to India yet but I hope ill get to visit this wonderful country soon
You really take us close to basar and galo trib, so colourful dtesses. We really miss this in cities and they are so close to nature.
I have stayed in this country through and through, yet, it still feels like I barely know anything about it!!
I find it heartening to read about tribes that continue to live traditionally. I do love their traditional outfits. The patterns remind me of what the Hill Tribes people in Thailand wear.
What a great article! So informative on a community that I have not heard of before. I am impressed with their way of life. Thank you for sharing!
Wow basar ..seems a beautiful place to visit ..love their beautiful culture and fun loving community
Wow, this is an Indian tribe and village? What an amazing experience and yes, I can only imagine how nice it is to be away from the crazy city noises and re-connect with family over food, music and a warm fire. I love the colours of their traditional ware and that they continue to embrace their culture despite the modern world. We have much to learn from their no plastics mantra. Good on them!
Hi there! Thank you for a heartwarming post on Basar and Galos. I am a Galo living and working abroad, this article took me home.
You have indeed, made some very poignant observations. Hope we can share more of our culture and beautiful place through travellers like you.
This community is like a role model for the so called developing cities of the world. The way they have assimilated nature in their daily life and are living in such a harmony with nature is appreciable. This is one of the reasons they seem so happy. What a wonderful post!
That’s quite an unconventional holiday destination. Bookmarked this article. We are yet to explore this part of country. Would love to start with AP.
Basar really serves as a great host for adventure seekers.. The picturesque beauty of this little town is something which is simply beyond words
I love learning about distant villages and the life and culture there… This post was so lively with all the pictures… I loved reading this!
You have thoroughly made the most of your stay and I love how you have explored Galos here. We hardly here about such communities. I would love to visit sometime
There are many such small places in the country where life is tough but they strongly support each other and value their traditions..that’s what makes them lead a happy life..
Glad to hear about Arunachal pradesh and beautiful galo tribe,simple people and their tradition
Hi there! Thank you for visiting Basar and writing about the Galos. As a Galo from around Basar now, working and living abroad this article took me right home. You have indeed made very poignant observations of Galo way of life in the villages. Hope appreciative travellers like you will help the world to know more about the Galos.
I am fascinated with Northern East part of pur country and so wana visit different places there. This place has so much to teach us with keeping good old practises and encouraging new ones. I wish I visit this place soon.
I have not been to Arunachal pradesh yet but I love exploring different traditions, their culture, lifestyle food and dressing. The photos of Basar look so fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
I really want to explore tribal culture and rituals. Love your flawless writing and beautiful pictures. Thanks for this virtual trip
It takes a lot for me to stay interested in reading a full article. This was one of those for me. I felt transported to Basar just reading about it. You have quite the flair to recreate your experience. As someone who loves exploring new places, the article truly captivated me.
The pictures tell about their culture and work so well. This place seems to be a must visit place.
I always get excited to know new cultures and community and Basar looks really beautiful and rich in nature in the pictures.
I have never been to Arunachal Pradesh but after reading your post and seeing the pictures I would love to visit there sometime.
It was fun and refreshing learning about life in Basar. Their plastic free initiative and eco-friendly living are worthy of accolades. Truly we have a lot to learn from the northeast and their way of life.
I’ve only been able to visit Mumbai in India but you’ve written such an interesting post. It sounds like you had such a good time. The way of living sounds really interesting too
This is a wonderful post as it truly gives us an inside glimpse into the lives of the people in Basar. I love the fact that several of them gave you big beautiful smiles.
There are so many tiny places like this and culture worth to be preserved. Basar is a pretty place in Arunachal Pradesh I was completely unaware of. Plus the Bascon festival I read about a few days back here. Such a great compilation of pictures of your adventures!
Basar is such a wonderful place. Getting to the Galo tribes at the backdrop of Bascon was so much interesting and fun. Basar is still in my thoughts even now. Hope Bascon gets bigger and better in future.
This is such a great blog to get insight into Arunachal Pradesh. I discovered many things. I keep coming back to your blog for new posts as I’m planning to go there soon. Keep sharing!
This is such a beautiful account of Galo people. Everything just came back in front of my eyes. What a great time we had in Basar. Loved it completely.