The ultimate destination for authentic tribal art, culture, music, food & untold adventure
December 06-07, 2022
BasCon 5.0
Revel in traditional heritage
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Welcome to BasCon 5.0
About Basar Confluence
Basar Confluence is a community-led tribal tourism festival that showcases the rich traditional & cultural heritage, music, folk arts, food and beverage of North-East India at the pristine valley of Basar, the headquarters of Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh. The 5th edition of Basar Confluence will bring all the diversity of the 7 North Eastern states of India viz Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland including Sikkim under one roof. A spectacular cultural mosaic will unfold at Basar on December 6th and 7th, 2022 at the confluence of the rivers Kidi and Hie.
Hosted by the peace loving Galo tribe of Leparada, one of the 26 major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh who are known for their warm hospitality, BasCon is an amalgamation of Cultural, Rural, Eco, Culinary and Adventure tourism.
The organiser behind the festival is a Leparada based non-profit-making NGO GRK (Gumin Rego Kilaju)- a collaboration of positive minds for social growth, that works for socio-economic upliftment, protection of the environment, biodiversity protection, cultural preservation and promotion of tourism in the district for sustainable socio-economic growth. Consequent upon the virtue of being the offspring of GRK that advocates philosophies of disciplined development of mankind in harmony with nature, BasCon is a festival that is unique in itself. Sustainability is the key mantra that GRK enunciates. The entire festival venue is a plastic free zone with structures made entirely of Bamboo, wood & other locally available natural products sourced from the forest. We do not allow bringing any kind of plastic, packaged water bottles or any other plastic products, wrappers, drug, IMFL or tobacco inside the festival venue. Drinking water facilities are made available at the venue. The cost of attending BasCon 5.0 is fairly reasonable.
The festival is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh
and the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Whether you are seeking an escape from the cities, or simply want an authentic experience of what the diverse demography of the eclectic North-East India has to offer, BasCon is the destination for you. Kick off your winter with a blast, the hidden paradise and its treasure awaits your discovery.
BasCon 5.0
Music
Groove into the tune of the tribal folk singers fused with modern instruments to give an even refined musical experience. From the old lady who hums on her solitude at her fields, to the popular talents celebrated nation wide, BasCon 5.0 will bring tribal folk singers together. Get ready to get transported by the musical odyssey.
Folk dance, dramas
North East India boasts of the most fascinating and spectacular cultural performances, from the goose bumping Nyida Parik (marriage ceremonial dance) of the Galos, the Tapu dance (valor dance) of the Adis, to the snow lion dance of the Buddhist tribes that's spread over the western and eastern region of the state. Ever heard of the head hunter Noctes ? Vibe in with the tribal folk dances and dramas of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and the North East states at BasCon.
Cuisine
A plethora of salivating local dishes to sizzle your taste buds. What's even better, it is organic and sourced directly from the forests. Bamboo shoots, delicacies steamed in leaf or bamboo tumblers along with herbs, barbecue, and the Amin- a popular Galo dish will keep you appetized and full. The menu goes long. Come and taste the magical potion Poka- the popular rice wine of the Galos. The eatery stalls will be aplenty of exotic dishes and beverages from the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Traditonal Community Fishing
Long before nets and hooks were introduced, the indigenous people employed various fishing techniques that developed with intuition & careful observation of fish behavior. Lipum & Pakam, are fishing techniques which involves cultivating the fish in the river with habitations made of stone and logs stacked together carefully. The coveted sporting fish Mahseer is abundant in the pristine waters of Basar. Spear fishing, prawn foraging, the Taam diinam (herbal intoxication) are some of the popular fishing methods. Let loose the sports inside you during the Traditional Community fishing at BasCon.
Trekking & Sight seeing
Enter the thick forest and the forest will do the job it is best at. Let the forest absorb your stress. The dense forest of Basar are replete with countless species of birds, insects, plants and animals of all kind. Soak in the fresh air & the sublime ambience of the pristine surroundings at Leparada. Climb atop the vantage Odi Putu, EB Project hill that offers magnificent view of the valley or trek to Bumchi waterfall- a trekking that follows through a stream that cuts through dense forests, the Bat cave Tapen Penru at Padi, the tantalizing Diime Diite waterfall at Pagi or for the adrenaline junkies, Joli, the home of the Yapoms where forest spirits used to pelt stones at passerby.
Traditional & Adventure sports
The tribes were precision hunters who once used bow and arrows, spears to hunt down animals. Although no longer in use, the archers will show their sporting skill at the traditional sports competition. Come and see how well you fare with the people. Partake in the most entertaining Geppe abnam, Babo renam, Pole climbing, tug of war, Nyim Bitla jukka hinam.
Fuse some adrenaline into your bloodstream with adventure sports like ATB rides, Hot Air Balloon, Paramotors.
About Basar
Basar, the headquarters of the Leparada district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India is a picturesque valley nestled in the gentle sloping hills of the lesser Himalayas. The indigenous tribe Galo primarily inhabits the area. Thick deciduous forests covers the hills that surrounds the town, and are home to a diversity of wildlife. The valley is aplenty with chilling perennial rivers and rivulets, waterfalls, mesmerizing paddy fields and rustic tribal villages and a unique ethnic culture. The population of Basar is estimated to be around 20000. Basar, according to the government of India census 2011, has a literacy rate of 88.77%, higher than the state average of 65.38%.
Climate & Topography
Situated at an elevation of 700 metres above the mean sea level, Basar has a pleasant weather albeit a bit on the colder side during the winters. The maximum temperature recorded is 39 degree celsius. At winter nights(December- February), the temperature can drop to 4 degree celsius. The sun usually shows up in the valley after 10 am in winters owing to thick fog formation in the valley.
The climate is subtropical. The Indian monsoon rains that onsets in June plummets the valley till it recedes on October. The hills that surrounds the valley are gentle with vegetation cover that is evergreen throughout the year. Basar is primarily drained by three rivers, Kidi, Hie and Bam hile, all of which have its origin in the sacred Nguda Pokcho hill, a hill revered by the locals and considered the abode of the Yapoms- supernatural forest beings known to abduct humans if disturbed. It is in these rivers where the Galo people have been practicing their traditional methods of fishing.
Demography
The natives of Basar are Galo tribe, one of the 26 major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The population is estimated to be around 20000, spread over 4 administrative circles namely Basar, Tirbin, Sago, and Dari. The people primarily practice agriculture, Wet Rice Cultivation in the fertile valleys and Jhum (Shifting) cultivation in the mountains. The Galo tribe is primarily animists that revere the forests & spirits and numerous entities. Donyi-Polo (Sun-Moon) is the principal Indigenous religion, however, a major chunk of the natives follows Christianity. Mopin is a festival celebrated by the Galos during the month of April for good harvest and prosperity.
Administration
Leparada is administered by a Deputy Commissioner. The Police Station is headed by a Superintendent of Police.
The district is divided into 4 administrative units namely Basar, Tirbin, Sago and Dari.
Reaching Basar
Arunachal Pradesh is a protected state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, As such, any non-resident of the state irrespective of whether he/she is a citizen of India or a foreigner, is mandatory under the law to obtain permission from the concerned authorities to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Indian citizens require Inner Line Permit (ILP) while foreigners require Protected Area Permit (PAP). In all the entry points of the state, there are check gates where one will be have to produce the certification ILP/PAP. The ILP can be obtained in person by visiting the office of the district administration/Tourist Facilitation Centre or online through https://arunachalilp.com/ while the protected area permit for foreign visitors can be obtained via contacting any tour operator that is registered with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. (Contact Duyu Tamo Tour Operator for PAP- +91-9436044905/+91-6009112795) It is advisable to secure PAP at least a month prior. ILP may be obtained at the time of arrival, but it is advisable to secure it at least a week ahead.
The nearest Airport to Basar is in the Mohanbari Airport in Dibrugarh city of Assam, wherefrom it is about 120 kms or 8 hours drive to Basar. Dibrugarh is just 40 kms or an hours drive away from Likabali in Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh where the ILP/PAP ought to be produced in the entry point also known as check gate. Travellers can hire a a cab from Dibrugarh to reach Basar. Contact Aayat Tours in Dibrugarh for booking cab/SUV (+91-9954420179). The nearest Railways is Silapathar Railway Station in Assam, about 4 kms away from Likabali.
From Likabali onwards, the roads meanders through the hills. Fog, forests, oxygen rich air and some bumps can be expected. Public transport services Sumo (Mini Cab) are available from Likabali as well as Silapathar, while being pocket friendly, comfort wise, Sumos are not recommended.
Book Your Accommodation
Homestays
Get a more intimate experience with the warm and hospitable Galo hosts at a Homestay of your own preference.
Camping
Stay at a Camp at the pristine locations and vibe with co-campers with Jamming, dance, music with lovely people around. Poka (local rice wine)and barbeque will make sure you have a memorable stay.
Hotels
Rego Palace- +91 8135984987
Hotel Liba- +91 6909124783
Hotel Mansiri- +91 8414018682
Lijum Toter- +91 9612504291