ITANAGAR, Dec 1:  Indigenous Faith Day was celebrated all across Arunachal Pradesh today with    much fervour and dignity  with  the  clarion call to preserve the state’s unique culture and tradition.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the celebration at the Central Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang in Pasighat    organised by Donyi Polo Cultural and Charitable Trust (DPCCT) and Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP).  Chief Guest for the celebration, the 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche consecrated the foundation stone for construction of ‘Donyi Polo Khumko’, a prayer centre for believers of the indigenous faith ‘Donyi Poloism’.Addressing the function he stressed on importance of the day and appealed the youths to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.Earlier, a ‘bhumi pujan’ for start of the construction was performed by Nyibus (priests) from different Tani speaking communities of Arunachal. Floral tributes were paid by the dignitaries on the occasion marking the 81st birth anniversary of Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo. Students of KGBV Pasighat enthralled the audience by presenting mega dance on the occasion. 

Chief Minister along with the Chief Guest Ling Rinpoche and Guest of Honour Dr Dhammapiya, Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) paid homage to Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo offering prayers in front of the 20 feet statue of Talom Rukbo. 

The celebration began with the formal ritual of ‘taku tabat’ performed by the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister appreciated the initiative by DPCCT and IFCSAP for the construction of ‘Donyi Polo Khumko’, which he observed will go a long way in preservation of indigenous faith and belief among the Abotani tribes of Arunachal and expressed happiness that the prayer centre will serve as a centre of learning and also assured all government support.

On opening of Department of Indigenous Affairs, Chief Minister said it had received appreciation from states such as Mizoram and Nagaland and stressed on preservation of local dialects. Chief Guest and Guest of Honour also spoke on the occasion. Chairman, Donyi Polo Cultural and Charitable Trust    Er. Katung Wahge, Organizing Chairman Tajom Taloh, President IFCSAP Tajom Tasung, Minister of H&F Alo Libang, MLAs Kaling Moyong, Ojing Tasing, Ninong Ering, Dr. Kinny Singh, DC,  Rajiv Ranjan Singh, SP,  Dr. Himani Chaukar and  delegates from Bodo, Karbi, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam were present. Director of Vivekananda International Foundation Arvind Gupta, General Nirmal Chander Vij, Lt Gen RK Sawhney, Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra A Balakrishnan, former Governor PB Acharya, Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe including delegates such as    Amar Hassan, from Syria, Poitra Welc from    Poland and    Damenda Porege & Miss Pensiri    from Thailand   were also present on the occasion.  

Elsewhere, the Tirap Indigenous People Society (TIPS) in congruence with other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Indigenous Faith Day centrally at Nehru stadium in Khonsa in which Deputy Commissioner, TirapP.N.Thungon graced the occasion as the Chief guest. 

While greetings the indigenous people on the occasion , DC emphatically advised the gathering to follow traditional ways of livelihood and appealed not to mix traditional culture with religion. 

A traditional rituals at Chaam- offering  with Jumin (local wine) to Almighty Rang    performed by the priest locally known as Ramwah, indigenous sports like bamboo stick still walk fight, indigenous  rat jump over bamboo, traditional folk songs and dances made the day more colourful.

In Tezu the  day was celebrated with colourful cultural performances organized by the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) Lohit unit at the Jubilee Ground.

The celebrations began with a procession headed by VKV Tafragam Band which began from Jubilee Ground and culminated at the same ground here.

Greeting the gathering on the occasion as chief guest, Karikho kri MLA says “Amidst the fast changing world as well as advent of modernization, our rich cultural heritage and tradition is at stake. We have unique healing system, which needs to be preserve and    our oral chanting, preaching and rich folklore are on the verge of extinction,” he rued. The MLA further appeal the local NGO, AMSU or CALSOM to train youths in skill development especially how to make local basket or garment for which he assured to grant available adequate funds. Lauding the late Talom Rukbo’s    praiseworthy step, DW Thungon SP Lohit said it was a revolution initiated by him and the flag of Indigenous faith becomes a tag which indicates the recognition of the true Arunachalee. 

Many speakers including G Karga, Jabralum Chaitom, Doregso Pul and Balemso Tayang (Priest) expressed serious concern over the religious conversion and local people accepting alien culture. They exhorted all to remain united to preserve their unique tradition & faith and also recalled the immense contributions in the indigenous faith movement of the state.

Unfurling of IFCSAP Flag, releasing of IFCSAP Calendar and Logo by the chief guest, colourful folk dance and songs were also presented to mark the day.   Besides, retired CE PHED Lupalum Kri, Head of the Department, GB, Head of the Department, AMWWS, AMSU, CALSOM members, people from different ethnic groups in traditional attires and students actively participated in the celebration.