Itanagar, Dec 1: The Indigenous Faith Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across every district of Arunachal Pradesh, including remote and far-flung regions, reaffirming the people’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich Indigenous culture, faith, and traditions of the state. 
This year’s celebration witnessed unprecedented participation, with leaders, resource persons, and executive members of IFCSAP travelling to various parts of the state to engage with the public and spread awareness on Indigenous identity and constitutional safeguards.
Ziro: The Apatani Danyi Piilo Meder Nello Council (ADPMNC) led the celebrations at Ziro under the aegis of IFCSAP Lower Subansiri Unit. The programme emphasised the preservation of Apatani culture, traditions and spiritual practices, especially among the younger generation.
The event began with Diima Hama performed by students of Gurukul School, Ziro, invoking blessings prior to the formal proceedings.
Dani Yubbe, President ADPMNC, welcomed all and highlighted youth participation in cultural protection. Dr. Mudang Elyu, Chairman, Popi Wing, delivered the keynote address.
MLA Er. Hage Appa, as Chief Guest, and Oli Perme, DC Lower Subansiri, as Guest of Honour, praised the organisers for their devotion to safeguarding age-old traditions.
Several National and International Awardees were honoured, along with posthumous awards to late Lod Kojee, late Millo Lampung and late Takhe Diibo as a part of the celebrations. 
Er. Tage Taki, Former Minister, and Hage Kojeen also addressed the gathering.
Er. Hage Obin, President, IFCSAP Lower Subansiri District Unit while speaking on the occasion expressed gratitude to contributors, media, cultural troupes, Popi Wings, Youth Wings, Nyibus, volunteers and ADPMNC executives. 
Pasighat: At Bilat in East Siang, the event was graced by Minister, Home & Indigenous Affairs, Mama Natung and Dr.Emi Rumi, IFCSAP President and MLAs Ninong Ering and Tapi Darang. They underlined the importance of cultural unity and identity preservation.
At Yinkiong,Upper Siang District the celebration of Indigenous Faith day featured colourful performances by schoolchildren and community groups.
A procession was taken across Yingkiong town in the morning, where people from all walks of life joined.
DC Talom Jerang and Maya Murtem, IFCSAP Secretary, joined the celebrations and encouraged the preservation of indigenous spiritual heritage. Murtem encouraged youths to turn out in large numbers and spearhead the preservation efforts of the Indigenous organisations.
ICR Region – Itanagar
In Itanagar at Nyokum Lapang, Indigenous Faith Day saw enthusiastic participation from the community.
Dignitaries such as Dr. Ligu Tacho, former IFCSAP President, Bai Taba, Vice President IFCSAP attended the programme.
They collectively emphasised the importance of safeguarding Arunachal’s indigenous belief systems, rituals, and cultural practices for future generations.
Anjaw, Bomdila & Nafra
At Hayuliang, Anjaw,  Gyamde Gumja Tamin Assistant General Secretary, participated and encouraged the local community to uphold traditional values.
At Bomdila, Mameh Dada, Women Wing Secretary and Olom Perme,Vice President, Youth Wing took part and motivated women and youth in cultural revival.
At Nafra, Moi Bagra, Convener,IFCSAP joined the celebrations with strong messages on cultural protection.
Other IFCSAP executive members also travelled across remote regions, ensuring participation in almost every corner of the state.
Members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of IFCSAP travelled widely and served as resource persons in various districts. They addressed public concerns and clearly explained the purpose and scope of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA).
They emphasised that APFRA does not affect ST status nor does  it affect MGNREGA job cards or permit delisting of ST status; APFRA exists solely to protect indigenous faith, culture and traditional practices. This message was strongly delivered across the state to counter misinformation and ensure clarity among the public.
Indigenous Faith Day 2025 was marked by unity, devotion and cultural pride across Arunachal Pradesh. From Ziro to Pasighat, Upper Siang to Itanagar, and through Anjaw, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang, Longding, Roing, Bomdila, Nafra and several other regions. The celebrations showcased the collective resolve of the people to preserve, practise and promote their indigenous culture, faith and identity.

---

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.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List