The Adi people

The Adi dominate the Siang valley, the country of the great river that becomes the Brahmaputra. Their villages run on the Kebang (village council) tradition, and their festivals, Solung and Aran, mark the farming and ritual year with Ponung dances.

The mithun (gayal), the semi-wild bovine, is Adi wealth and ceremony rolled into one animal.

Ask before photographing people or rituals, dress modestly at festivals and ceremonies, accept hospitality graciously, and let local hosts lead. Culture here is lived, not performed: curiosity with manners opens every door.