Cultural programmes and a community feast marked the 52nd Si Donyi Hilo, a festival of the Tagin community, which was celebrated with traditional fervour at Si Donyi Jaaring, Lumro village in Naharlagun along with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday.Members of the Tagin community from across the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), dressed in colourful traditional attire, thronged the festival ground and took part in the day-long celebrations.State Home Minister Mama Natung attended the programme as the chief guest, while Commissioner, Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), Kego Jilen was the guest of honour. Former MLA Kipa Babu was present as a special guest.Addressing the gathering, Natung urged the community, particularly the younger generation, to preserve and protect its rich cultural and traditional heritage.
He said the state government has created a dedicated department to safeguard, promote and preserve indigenous cultures, traditions and practices.The Home Minister said the establishment of four Gurukuls in the state is part of this initiative and informed that five more such institutions have been proposed in the current year’s budget.He further said that indigenous festivals are celebrated to promote peaceful coexistence among human beings and all living beings.“If we stop prayers and chanting during festivals, we lose our identity,” Natung said, calling upon the youth to uphold traditional values.He further informed that an honorarium of Rs 3,333 is being provided to registered priests and requested them not to collect money or contributions in any form, assuring that the government would extend the required support. He also said that every community would have a Gurukul.
During the programme, the Home Minister presented mementos to priests and co-priests.In the Si Ponung dance competition, the Si Nyijir Ponung team secured first place, followed by Anv Yapv in second position and the Ghunchi Ane dance group in third place.The Ghunchi Ane Ponung Team won the group dance competition, while Donyi Ane emerged winners in the male group dance category.A memorandum seeking flood protection work for the festival ground was also submitted to the Home Minister.
