HIJA : The grand finale of Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026 concluded at Hija village in Lower Subansiri district on Thursday, celebrating Apatani culture, indigenous fashion and emerging modelling talent.

The event featured runway presentations by designers Hibu Ollo, Leegang Ozeen and Taru Monya, whose collections blended traditional Apatani motifs with contemporary fashion. Cultural performances by the Dani Haj Puna Clan, the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Celebration Committee (SDDFCC) Daminda Dance Committee and the Diirey Nyimung Dance Group, along with a musical performance by Bullo Tajung, added to the festivities.

The finale presentation, themed “Colours of Apatani,” showcased the finalists in traditional Apatani attire as well as contemporary fusion ensembles, highlighting the evolution of indigenous fashion while preserving the community’s cultural identity.

One of the highlights of the event was the crowning ceremony, where the winners and runners-up were honoured in traditional Apatani attire instead of conventional western evening wear, symbolising cultural pride and reinforcing their role as ambassadors of Apatani heritage.

The competition also recognised participants in various special categories. Tapi Kanya won the Best Runway Walk award, while Hibu Omang was adjudged Best Presence. Tage Chado and Kago Kaku received the Mr. Popular and Miss Popular titles respectively.

Hiinyo Rilung was named Emerging Model Talent, Pura Kalyang received the Best Contemporary Styling award, Dani Nuri won Best Photogenic, and Koj Nampi was honoured for Best Traditional Interpretation.

In the female category, Tadu Bini of Mudang Tage village was crowned the winner, while Hano Sumpi of Bamin village and Hage Konya of Hari village were declared the first and second runners-up respectively.

In the male category, Nani Hao of Bulla village emerged as the winner. Mihin Lento of Tajang village and Tallo Doding of Hong village secured the first and second runners-up positions respectively.

The winners received trophies, cash prizes, certificates, sashes and mementoes from dignitaries and fashion professionals associated with the event.

Earlier, the programme began with a welcome address by the vice-chairman of the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Celebration Committee, while PH Construction Managing Director Tasso Hinda also addressed the gathering.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Siilang Diting Dree Festival Celebration Committee General Secretary and Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model Chief Executive Officer Kago Jorang, who acknowledged the contributions of designers, judges, sponsors, cultural groups, volunteers, media partners and the people of the Apatani Valley.

Organised under the banner of Apatani Fashion Week, the event aims to provide a platform for indigenous designers, weavers, artisans and aspiring models while promoting the preservation and wider recognition of Apatani textiles and cultural heritage.