Itanagar, Apr 5: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) along with the First Lady of the State Anagha Parnaik participated in the Mopin festival celebration at Itanagar on Friday.   
Greeting the Galo community on the festive occasion of Mopin, Parnaik offered prayers to invoke the blessing of Mopin Goddess Anyi Pinku Pinte for better crops, proliferation of domestic animals and preservation of nature.
“Arunachal Pradesh is a blessed land of numerous tribes who have maintained their customs and traditions over the years,” he said adding that the natives have been zealously preserving their indigenous cultural heritages.
The Governor commended the Popir teams for their excellent cultural presentation during the celebration. He said that the participation brings about community cohesion, language revitalization, reinforces collective identification and encourages the younger generations to learn their cultural practices, traditions as well as linguistic nuances.
The Governor urged upon the Galo community to contribute in nation building through concerted effort in the sphere of health, education, infrastructure, communication and empowerment of women and girl child. He suggested them to work at community and village levels to ensure basic education of 10 plus 2 of each child, skilling of youth, basic knowledge on health and hygiene to every mother and cautioned against drug menace.
The Governor suggested that as Mopin is related to agriculture, the people must adopt a holistic approach in the agriculture and allied sectors. He exhorted the people to utilize modern techniques, explore market avenues and promote self help groups and cooperatives.
Guest of Honour of the occasion and senior citizen of Galo Community Gumde Karbak recalled the concerted efforts of pioneers of Itanagar and Naharlagun in preservation and promotion of Galo culture including Mopin. President, Mopin Celebration Committee Pebom Bagra and Secretary, Margam Ori also spoke on the occasion.
A cultural presentation, depicting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Galo society was presented on the occasion. 15 Popir Teams from different parts of the State Capital participated in the celebration led by Head Mopin Priest (Nyibo) Nyago Bagra and Assistant Priest (Bo) Mijo Bagra from Jeyi Bagra Village, West Siang District.
Promoting the spirit of bonhomie among the various Popir parties, the Festival organizing committee conducted Volleyball, Archery and other sporting competition, cultural competition, including Folk dances, Yaan Kaben (Traditional ritualistic narration), Galo Aagam (Galo language speaking), basket making, decorative bamboo flower (Rime) making competition and community local beverages (Poka) and Rice cake (Itti) making competitions.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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