ITANAGAR : The Tagin community is grieving the loss of one of its most revered spiritual figures, Gogyam Gumja Tamin, a veteran Si Donyi priest whose life was devoted to preserving the faith, customs and cultural identity of the Tagin people. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation that looked to him for spiritual guidance, wisdom and leadership.
Born to Pugo Gumja and Jamnu Gumja of Dignium village under Giba circle, Tamin later settled in Lejirijo village under the Sigin-I Assembly segment of Upper Subansiri district. Over the decades, he emerged as one of the most respected custodians of the Si Donyi faith, earning admiration not only for his mastery of sacred rituals but also for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Tagin traditions.
Tamin began practising shamanism at a remarkably young age, dedicating his life to the service of the community. His spiritual journey reached a historic milestone as he served as the chief priest of the Si Donyi Hilo festival nine times, a distinction achieved by very few.
He first led the sacred rituals during the Si Donyi celebrations in Naharlagun in 1989 and returned for his final service as chief priest during the 2022 Si Donyi Jaaring, also in Naharlagun, spanning more than three decades of devoted service.
Apart from his spiritual stature, Tamin was celebrated as an eloquent orator and a living repository of Tagin customary laws, oral traditions and indigenous knowledge. Those who knew him remember him as a humble, compassionate and approachable elder who generously shared his wisdom with younger generations and worked tirelessly to ensure that the community’s age-old customs remained alive.
He is survived by his son, Gyamde Gumja Tamin, assistant general secretary of IFCSAP and Sampark Ayam Pramukh of the Jagran Shreni of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Arunachal Pradesh.
Community members described his death as an irreplaceable loss.
“The Tagin community has lost a precious gem. His legacy will continue to inspire generations, and the void left by his passing will be difficult to fill,” they said.
The family informed that the last rites of the late spiritual leader will be performed on August 1 at Lejirijo village, where he had made his home and served his community for decades. (Source: NewsFY)
