February is a fine month in Miao district of Arunachal Pradesh. The land of colourful Singphos keeps throbbing with the songs and dance of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi festival. The two day long festival is also known as Manau Poi. This is what the national festival of the Kachins, the counterpart of the Singphos residing in Myanmar. The Singphos call “Shapawng Yawng” their forefathers. 'Poi' means ‘Festival’ and 'Manau' means ‘Dance’. It is an unique festival which is outside India.

he Shingphos started the tea festival in 1985 at Miao in Changlang District in Arunachal Pradesh. This is what the origin of the event of pomp and gaiety under the banner of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi. They believe Shapawng Yawng to be their forefather, the sixth son in order of birth. “Manau Poi” stands for dance.  The festivals revive their rich treasure of its traditional and cultural heritage.

“Poi” of Manau relates to Shapawng Yawng. The celebration gathers momentum as dance is performed to express zest and joy which strengthens the unity and integrity of the Singpho society.

The Singphos consumed tea as vegetable in 19rthe century when it did not acclaim.