ITANAGAR, Dec 1 - The Indigenous Faith Day was today celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the hilly State of Arunachal Pradesh. A slew of events like cultural shows, processions, traditional sports like tug-of-war and archery competitions were conducted to mark the day.
The Indigenous Faith Day was celebrated centrally on the Nyikum Niya Ground at Nirjuli. The celebrations started off with the arrival of a car rally from the RK Mission helipad, Itanagar.
Clad in their traditional attire, a huge gathering of indigenous people, including men, women and children, thronged the venue to celebrate the day with pomp and gaiety.
Joining the Indigenous Faith Day celebrations at the Amik Ringya Hall, Tezu, in Lohit district, Minister of Agriculture, Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Mohesh Chai called upon the gathering to preserve, protect and promote the rich heritage of tribal culture and traditions for posterity.
Remembering the founding father of the Indigenous Faith movement in the State, �Golgi Bote� Talom Rukbo, and his contributions, the minister also underscored the need of encouraging the use of tribal dialect and promotion of tribal script in all the schools of the State. He gave a clarion call to all for the maximum promotion of tribal culture and identity.
Earlier, the programme started off with the unfurling of the Indigenous Faith Day flag by the chief guest, which was followed by the playing of a flag song. Keeping with the theme of unity in diversity, various communities like Apatanis, Mishmis and Adis inhabiting in the district performed traditional songs and dances. School students also participated in the cultural programme.
The Indigenous Faith Day was also celebrated at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang. The function was attended by chief guest Dr Rikya Lhavoi Rinpoche and Padmashree awardee Ven Lama Thupten Phuntsok, founding director of Manjushree Vidyapeeth, as the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, they appealed to the youths to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage.
