Pakhu Itu, the dance of the Apatani tribe inhabiting the Ziro plateau of
Arunachal Pradesh, is a major highlight of the Dree festival. It portrays the games played by three mythological birds named Pakku, Parii and Pagi Yaru.
According to legends, these birds used to attack the paddy seedlings that were the first to be ever planted in the region. The seedlings were believed to be the gift of the wife of Abotani, a renowned ancestor of the tribe.
Along with the birds, this dance also portrays small children engaged in protection of the seedlings.
