NAMSAI, SEP 13:
The Solung Festival, a major traditional festival of the Adi community, was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at D.M. Giidi Notke Nongkhon in Lekang Circle of Namsai district.
Rajya Sabha Member Tai Tagak attended the celebration as chief guest, while Wanki Lowang was the guest of honour.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul attended as special guests.
The celebration was also attended by Tezu MLA Mohesh Chai, Roing MLA Muchu Mithi, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai and Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum, besides Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chow Sujana Namchoom, Zilla Parishad members and other public representatives.
Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Superintendent of Police Lobsang Tsering, heads of various departments, representatives of community-based organisations, community leaders, cultural groups and members of the public were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Ninong Ering highlighted the cultural and social significance of Solung and stressed the need to safeguard the traditional knowledge, customs and practices associated with the festival.
Mein called for concerted efforts to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural traditions, indigenous heritage and customs. He urged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots and traditional values while contributing to the state’s development and progress.
Pul highlighted Solung as an important expression of the cultural identity, traditions and community values of the Adi people.
Lowang extended greetings to the people on the occasion and emphasised collective efforts to preserve the community’s cultural heritage and traditional practices.
Tagak congratulated the people on the occasion and described Solung as an important platform for strengthening community bonds, preserving cultural heritage and transmitting traditional knowledge to younger generations. He also stressed the importance of protecting the cultural identity and indigenous traditions of the state amid changing times.
The celebration featured traditional cultural programmes, indigenous performances and other community activities, providing an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their heritage and strengthen social harmony and community bonds.
