NAMSAI, Apr 16: The three-day annual Sangken festival which commenced here on April 14 last ended today marking the beginning of the Theravada Buddhist New Year.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein accompanied by State BJP General Secretary-cum-MLA Namsai
Chau Zingnu Namchoom and MLA Lekang Jummum Ete Deori joined the first day’s celebration at Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara Namsai and Buddha Vihara Empong to perform Saun Phra (an iconic ritual of pouring water on Buddha statues) and offered prayers to the triple gems. Mein also paid homage and floral tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary at Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara. At Empong, he announced that there are plans to develop the area for boosting tourism.
On the next day, the DCM took part in Maha Sangken celebrations in Kongmukham accompanied by the MLAs, DC Namsai RK Sharma and President, Society for Tai Ahom Resurgence Dr Hemanto Gogoi and extended his New Year greetings. Thousands thronged the place to witness the festival organised by the Tai Khamti Heritage and Literary Society. 
Speaking on boosting tourism in Namsai district and the state, Mein said that the state government is putting all efforts to encourage the sector. Namsai had the privilege to host the flag-in ceremony of the 'Honda Sunchasers 2021-H’ness Quest for the Land of the Rising Sun' signature motorcycle rally and the 'Trans-Arunachal Drive 2021' recently, he added. “Such events will definitely boost and promote our tourism and attract more adventure sports lovers to come to the state,” the DCM asserted.
He further added that in and around Namsai a micro-tourist circuit can be established from where tourists can visit Namdapha Wildlife sanctuary, Manabhum Tropical Rain Forest, Bhismaknagar, Glow lake and Parshuram Kund, Second World War Memorial in Jairampur and adjoining places. He also announced that Buddhism tourism circuits in Tuting, Chowkham, Tawang and Namsai will be developed soon that would lead to greater revenue generation from the region. Earlier, Mein inaugurated the Kongmukham Welcome signage and released an audio-video album 'Ya Hei, Ya Hai' produced by Society for Tai Ahom Resurgence and a documentary film titled 'Sojurn to Khamtiloung' co-directed by Maw Tai Films and Tan Mansai Photography and another audio-video album, ‘Fra Tra’ produced by Tai Khamti Heritage and Literary Society. He also joined with the revellers to splash and douse each other with water and offered prayers to Lord Buddha seeking peace, harmony, good luck and health and protection from the evil influences of Chow Khunkiew (God of Misfortune).
Sangken was celebrated with traditional gaiety across the state. In the state capital the Theravada Buddhist Temple was the centre of attraction where revellers from other communities also joined the celebration. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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