The Itanagar Solung Festival got off a rousing start here on Saturday. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein inaugurated the festival.
“Protection of our culture, customs & language is our own responsibility and we cannot expect some other persons to do it for us,” Mein said at the event.
Terming the Adi community as one of the most democratic and secular society, he said because of this democratic & secular set up, the Adi Society can adapt any community among their society.
He further said, “Festival is the mirror of the society and it is the occasion for spreading the message of brotherhood, unity and peace & happiness with one another. The Festival should also be the training ground for up-coming generations for learning the rituals, traditions and culture.”
Mein said that the Govt is doing every effort to help the indigenous people in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the State.
MLA Ronoj Pegu, Paramananda Chayengia, Chief Executive Councilor cum President, Mishing Baane Kebang as the Special Guest and Deputy Speaker, Er Tumke Bagra also spoke on the occasion.
Er Getom Borang, president of the Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Itanagar highlighted the mythology and origin of the Solung Festival.
Among others, State BJP President, Tapir Gao and MLA Dambuk, Gum Tayeng also attended the festival. Mega Dance, Folk dances and Solung Yokyang (Tug-of-war) were other attractions of the festival today.