Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh

23-25 October 2023

Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, has a history deeply rooted in tribal heritage and ancient civilisations. The region is traditionally inhabited by the Nyishi people, whose customs, festivals, and governance shaped local life for centuries. Its most prominent historical landmark is the Ita Fort, a 14th–15th century structure built of stone, from which the city derives its name (“Ita” meaning “brick” in Assamese). Believed to have been constructed during the rule of the Chutia kingdom, the fort reflects the area’s strategic importance. Over time, the region evolved into a cultural confluence of diverse influences, including those of various tribes, Tibetan Buddhism, and Assamese culture. During the colonial era, it remained relatively isolated, but after India’s independence, Itanagar was developed as the administrative hub of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In 1987, when Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood, Itanagar was declared its capital. Today, the city blends historical heritage with modern governance, embodying the state’s cultural and political identity.

View of Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

The entrance to the Gompa Buddhist Temple on top of a hill in Itanagar.

Artwork on the chorten at the Gompa Buddhist Temple.

Steps leading to the Gompa Buddhist Temple, the Centre for Buddhist Studies.

Prayer wheels with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” in Tibetan script; at the Gompa Buddhist Temple.

The Gompa Buddhist Temple, the Centre for Buddhist Studies; it was consecrated on 15 December 1996 by the 14th Dalai Lama.

The interior with its rich frescoes, of the Gompa Buddhist Temple, the Centre for Buddhist Studies.

View to the Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph, from the Gompa Buddhist Temple, the Centre for Buddhist Studies on top of a hill in Itanagar.

Interior of the Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph.

Towers of the Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph of Itanagar.

A temporary temple for the Navaratri Festival, on the corner of the main road and State Museum Road in Itanagar.

Durga, the multi-armed goddess and other Hindu deities, on the stage in a temporary temple in a street, for the Navaratri Festival.

An image of Durga, the multi-armed goddess on a truck on the last day of the Navaratri Festival in Itanagar, when she will be immersed in a river.

Ita Fort, overlooking Itanagar; the name literally means “Fort of Bricks”, lending its name to the city.

Rina Sonam and Tarey apa Techi with their children visiting Ita Fort.

Ita Fort, built as early as the 14th or the 15th century or, according to others, by the Ahom King Chakradhvaj Simha in 1688.

Indira Gandhi Park, a popular tourist spot in Itanagar.

Entrance to the Therevada Buddhist temple, Vivek-Vihar, a Burmese temple, on the outskirts of Itanagar.

The Therevada Buddhist temple, Vivek-Vihar, a Burmese temple with a gold-coloured “zedi” (stupa) and “chinthe”, a legendary lion-like creature.

Gold-coloured “zedi” (stupa) and “chinthe”, a legendary lion-like creature, at the Vivek-Vihar, a Therevada Buddhist temple.

Buddha statues in the Burmese Therevada Buddhist temple,Vivek-Vihar.

A wooden teapot of the Mancho people in Tawang district, in the northwest of Arunachal Pradesh, in the State Museum of Itanagar.

View of the city of Itanagar, from the State Museum.

A “Gangging”, a prayer place for Donyi Polo, an indigenous animistic and shamanic religion, opposite the State Museum of Itanagar.