The Donggin Festival is an occasion, which is celebrated by Arunachal Pradesh's Bori (Adi) community, from February 2 to 5 to signify the arrival of spring. This festival is purely traditional and expresses gratitude for abundance, prosperity, and well-being. The Donggin festival holds much esteem and respect in the cultural perspective of the Adi tribe, in particular, the Adis settled in the Payum and Kaying circles in Siang District. The festival has been celebrated year after year and thus maintains its link with the environment and seasonal heritage.

Donggin holds unto itself one of the much-sacred practices of sacrificing pigs, chickens, and mithuns to ANE Donggin, the god of prosperity. These animal sacrifices are offered to the deities of nature, signifying a prayer for peaceful rest and prosperity for the upcoming season. Through animal sacrifices, the Bori community shows reverence to their age-old customs and the olden deities, which they believe brings blessings upon them and protects them from the adversities of the year.

During Donggin, a Nibu or local priest leads the community in chanting UI, a form of verbal prayer offered to the deities. This ritual underscores the Adi tribe’s spiritual traditions and their reliance on prayers for blessings. The Nibu’s chants represent a bridge between the human and divine realms, symbolizing the community’s request for a bountiful and harmonious year. The UI prayers are a central part of Donggin, emphasizing the tribe’s spiritual connection with nature.

Donggin is marked by various traditional dances, such as Chungne, Konyi Bokar, Riabu, and Takar Ghene, performed by both men and women of the Adi tribe. These dances are not only celebratory but are also expressions of cultural pride and social unity. The rhythmic moves and festive atmosphere embody the spirit of spring and communal joy, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Adi people through music and dance that brings the community together.

A unique custom of the Donggin festival is Ette, where people apply a paste made of rice powder and rice beer to each other’s faces. This playful act is symbolic of shared joy and unity among the community members. Ette fosters a sense of togetherness as participants embrace this tradition, adding to the festive atmosphere. The ritual represents the Adi tribe’s collective spirit and is a memorable part of Donggin, linking generations through shared customs and joyful interactions.