PASIGHAT, Sep 6: The four-day central Solung festival celebration began today at Gidii Notko, Pasighat here in East Siang district with traditional fervour and gaiety, followed by the traditional ritual Taku Tabat performed by the chief guest Prof. Tomo Riba, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University. This is the 57th episode being celebrated by the Pasighat Central Solung Festival Committee (PCSFC), 2024.
Extending festival greetings, the Chief Guest said that our age-old festivals celebrated since time immemorial reflect our rich repository of traditions, culture and mythology that need to be passed down to the future generations. He briefed the significance of performing Taku Tabat, Ekop to propitiate the Dadi Bote, Kine Nane and Doying Bote for the wellbeing of mankind and prosperity. Riba invoked the blessings of Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo, the torchbearer of the indigenous faith movement and further added that Solung mythology traces the origin of mankind and the significance of the festival for peace and prosperity and bumper harvest. He called for protection and preservation of our festivals, customs, folklore, dances and traditions for posterity adding that festivals promote the spirit of oneness and community bonding. Before concluding his address, the VC urged everyone to contribute towards Mother Nature and tree plantation, minimize usage of plastics and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour Donyi Polo Trust Chairperson Katung Wage urged the Adi community to pass on the rich cultural heritage and traditions to younger generation and let them take pride in their heritage, dialects and customs. Wage informed that IFCSAP is currently undertaking ‘Mission towards indigenous roots with the objective of protecting and documentation of our rich heritage and roots’. He appealed to the indigenous people to preserve their age-old belief systems, folklores, folktales, customs, traditions and dialects, “and protect them from vanishing, through documentation and various efforts.” He appreciated the organizing committee members for hosting the event in a befitting manner.
Special Guest and local MLA Er. Tapi Darang acknowledged the efforts of the PCSFC -24 executives and their associates and taking privilege informed that numerous developmental activities are expected to show up in the near future. Darang categorically mentioned that 10 new Ganggings are expected to set up in the constituency, along with new MRI machines in BPGH and auditoriums and staff quarters for schools.
Okiam Moyong Borang, the first woman President of the Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, in her address, expressed her gratitude to all the guests and dignitaries present to witness the commencement of the celebration and acknowledged the tireless contribution of the whole organizing team in order to successfully host the mega event. SolungMythology was presented by TR Pertin, followed by a colorful display of traditional dances by Rengging Ane Party. Many prominent personalities including SP Dr. Sachin Singhal, 5thIRBn Commandant Aishwarya Sharma, former MLA kalingMoyong, ADC (Hq) Tatling Pertin, host officers and leaders were present. (DIPRO)