Dong, the easternmost village of India in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, welcomed the first sunrise of 2026 with a special event called “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn” on January 1. This performance drew from the traditions of the indigenous Meyor and Mishmi communities. It was part of the Sunrise Festival, organised by the State Tourism Department, which started on December 29, 2025, and will end on January 2, 2026. “Dance of the Dawn” used chants, songs, and traditional rhythms played on local instruments combined with contemporary dance and poetry. This artistic narrative celebrated the sun's light and the spirit of the Dong Valley and its people. Notable contributors included award-winning filmmaker Shilpika Bordoloi and theatre professional Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan. A key moment was the Sunrise Pledge, promoting cultural exchange among communities. An official statement said, “Dance of the Dawn is more than an event; it is a celebration of our shared humanity, bringing together communities, artists, and visitors from across the world to witness the magic of India’s first sunrise.” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who inaugurated the festival, said on December 29 that the event aims to create job opportunities for locals and encourage eco-friendly tourism. He added that the festival provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase the area's natural beauty and rich culture.