Even as Arunachal Pradesh is limping back to normal, the 50th Nyokum Yullo was celebrated at the Rono ground in Papum Pare district was celebrated in a solemn way without much fanfare.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Rajiv Gandhi University, vice chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha called upon the community members to promote, preserve and protect their rich cultural heritage and identity.
The VC also urged the parents, especially mothers, to encourage their children to wear traditional attires during festive occasions and to offer traditional food items to the participants.
He was of the view that such acts would go a long way in promoting communal harmony, peace and tranquility among the members.
He also urged the community leaders to document their culture and traditions for posterity, as well as for promotion.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Tana Sowren highlighted the mythology and significance of Nyokum Yullo.
Celebration committee chairman RT Tara, secretary Tana Tachu Tara, and AGS Towa Son also spoke on the occasion.
An audio album, a remix of old melodies, produced by Jeegam Production, was also released on the occasion.
Similar celebrations also took place at Nirjuli where community leaders appealed to the people to maintain peace and constitute peace committees at all levels by involving bazaar committees, students’ unions, employees’ associations, women bodies, etc, to bring back normalcy.
Participants also observed two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect those who lost their lives in police firing during the anti-PRC agitation in Itanagar.