NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Feb 22 � The festival of commencement of the agrarian season of the Mising community, Ali Aye Ligang was celebrated in North Lakhimpur with traditional fervour, pomp and ceremony. The 37th central Ali Aye Ligang festival was celebrated with a two-day-long programme at the playground of North Lakhimpur Govt HS School.
The Mising community of Assam has been celebrating this festival on the first Wednesday of the month of Phagun by sowing sacred seeds in the name of deities like Donyi Polo, Karshing Kartan, Se: Di-Me:Lo and Rugzi-Me:Rang.
The festivities began with cleansing rituals and hoisting of the flag by Bholanath Doley, president of the organizing committee. This was followed by tribute paying ceremony led by Harendranath Doley, the executive president of the organizing committee. Drawing competition for young children was also held on that occasion which was inaugurated by Parnita Taid, Vice-Chairperson, ZPC-Lakhimpur.
The day�s programme began with the taking out of a colourful cultural procession through the main roads of North Lakhimpur town. The procession was inaugurated by Dr JC Doley, Joint Director, Health, Lakhimpur and it was led by Dr Jyanendra Kardang and film stars Geetabali Rajkumari and Shyamantika. Cultural troupes of various ethnic groups, including from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh apart from the vibrant Mishing community, took part in the procession.
Tableaux showcasing various traditional lives of Mising community and their folklore were also taken out in the procession. A scene depicting the Mising epic love story, Jonki-Panoyi was also part of the attraction of the tableaux of the procession.
Later the opening session of the Central Ali Aye Ligang was inaugurated by Bibhishan Pegu, principal, North Lakhimpur Law College where the vice president of Mising Agom Kbang, Khageshwar Pegu participated as the appointed speaker.
The souvenir was released by noted short story writer Nivedita Lagachu. A traditional fashion show was also organised in that programme which was inaugurated by Geeta Ayengiya Pamegam in the evening. A cultural nite was also organised in the evening to mark the occasion.
