NIRJULI, Apr 8:  "If Longte draws barricade between benevolent and malevolent spirits, let us take a vow to barricade all modern evils", Capital DC Prince Dhawan made a fervent appeal while addressing the inaugural ceremony of week-long festival at Nyikum Niya ground here.

Seeking the blessings of local deities besides gaon burahs and gaon burihs, he said that modernity has come with corruption, like gambling, illegal slaughter and reckless garbage throwing. "Let us take a vow today to barricade all modern evils to join the new 'Develop Arunachal mission", he said without mincing any words. 

  Pointing out the other festival objective of peaceful living with communal harmony, he advocated that there should not be any fighting for any differences but all disputes should be mutually and amicably resolved, even  without taking legal recourse. The Nyishis by welcoming all communities to the state capital after donating land proved themselves ‘dilwales’ for which they should take the lead, he reasoned.

 This unique festival, a mirror of indigenous community,  should not be allowed to lose its traditional aspects  but celebrated greater enthusiasm, Dhawan said and urged Capital Complex Longte Celebration Committee (CCLCC) members including patron Bengia Tobin, vice chairman Lokam Tajo and GS Pisa Tabin to maintain its human values.

 Mass awareness on animals, cultivations and human welfare measures used to be conducted during this April (Lechar) month, considered pious by the Nyishis, IMC deputy chief councilor Tarh Nachung said as guest of honour.

 The festival aims at greater welfare of all living beings on earth, particularly humanity, he said, adding the Nyishis believe and act by respecting time-tested traditional values.

 Highlighting the mythology, CCLCC chairman Chera Taya said that the festival, as old as humanity, started by the Abo-Tani, ancestors of the humanity, to draw a ritualistic boundary to end conflicts between the benevolent and malevolent spirits for the former to live in peace for them to live in peace and happiness with communal harmony. Numerous events including competitive games and sports are part of the festival he said.

 Terming the festival as unique for drawing boundary (longbe) made with bamboo poles (lemin), small and large wooden poles (longnek & longtup) without  bloodshed and prohibiting donation culture by guests, Nyishi Festival Committee general secretary Amit Bengia said that cultures of the Nyishis are reflected by their important Longte, Nyokum Yullow and Boori Boot Yullow festivals.

---

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
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List