GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

No IPR (PR) 3/2009                                                    Dated Naharlagun Nov 10, 2009

Press Release No- 1180

Four-day cultural carnival, Arunachal Lok Mahotsav

Itanagar,Nov. 10: The folk dances reflect the traditional life of the people, which pervades and reflects the community, its histories, religion, mythologies, legends, proverbs, children song and riddles, said State’s First lady Anupama Singh while inaugurating the four-day cultural carnival, Arunachal Lok Mahotsav at Art & culture Complex, Naharlagun here yesterday, reports PRO to Governor.

Stressing on its preservation and promotion, Singh appealed to the elders of the society, Goan Burahs, intellectuals and the children to take utmost interest in it. She expressed her dismay that today the younger generation are not interested in the heritage handed down from generations to generations. Singh pointed, folk dances are our identity. It exudes our ethnic roots and tells us about our traditional values. So that we don’t lose touch with our roots. On the rich culture heritage of the State, Singh said, Arunachal Pradesh is not only rich in biodiversity but also rich in ethnic and cultural diversity. We have Mangbuong dances of Noctes to Deer and Yak pantomimes of Monpas. We have ponungs of Adi and Buiya dance of Digaru Mishmis. Among all its 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, it has distinct and varied cultures with a strong tradition of art and music. Almost every festival of our State is celebrated with a folk dance, making the dance form an integral part of our culture.

Citing its benefits other then carrying forward the cultural asset, Singh saw the economic benefit through it. She pointed every folk dance has its own specific costume and jewelry. Hence, it indirectly promotes our cottage industries and also helps in financial empowerment amongst womenfolk, as it is the ladies who weave Gale to Galuk, Jellang to Alipudung. Urging upon the department of Art and Culture to sponsor folk music, dance and drama festivals, conduct seminars, conferences and encourage regional cultural festivals in the future, State First Lady also called for training institutes. Chief Guest of the inaugural function, Singh, who is always concerned about the artisans, most of whom come from rural areas pointed the need for sustainable economic package for them along with promotion of their art and culture. Singh appreciated the organizers for organizing the festival, which she hoped will, not only be entertaining but very educative for the participants and as well to the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. O.P. Bharati, Deputy secretary, Sangeet Natak academi, North East council, Shillong said, the Sangeet Natak Academi, Shillong in it effort to promote tribal culture, has organized in all the States of North east except Assam in its short span of establishment. It aims to develop the different cultures of the region through interactions and cultural festivals.

Earlier, Director Art and Culture, in his welcome address said, through the festival, we aim to promote our cultural heritage, while his Deputy Director J. Siram expressed gratitude to the district administration of the districts, departments and Sangeet Natak Academi for facilitating the conduction of the Arunachal Lok Mahotsav. The colourful cultural carnival started with light of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest and other dignitaries, which was followed by presentation of Sapholo Dance of Tangsa and Oriah dance of Wangchos. Hongam dance of Galo, Egu dance of Idu Mishmi, Yakjom dance of Adis and Ajilhamu dance of Sherdukpen were also presented on the first night of the festival. The four-day festival included three sessions of seminars on indigenous culture, dances and music, interactions and discussions. Along with it, there will be culture presentation of different tribes of the State and outsides. Eminent film personalities and research scholars, including Tashi Tsomu of Arunachal Pradesh are participating along with reputed artists from Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Sikkim and Mizoram, the report added.

Sd/- Purabi Taikam, PRO