DEOMALI, Nov 25:  The main agricultural festival of Nocte Community, Chalo Loku was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety at Deomali today.

Attending the festival as chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein lauded the Nocte Community for keeping alive their rich culture and traditions.

While calling upon the people to preserve their rich culture and traditions, Mein said that efforts must be made to keep alive the rituals, which are the gist of our culture and added, “Arunachal is a land of festivals and we must showcase our rich cultural heritage to the outside world to promote cultural tourism." Citing that the State has huge potential of tourism industry, if properly managed and organised, he said "we can attract tourists round the year in the state.”

He said that the Pema Khandu government is emphasizing on equitable development of all the regions of the State giving equal importance for the development of both the Eastern and Western Parliamentary constituencies. He asserted that the government will leave no stone unturned to bring in all round development in all sectors including education, health, road communication, power, hydropower, information technology, tourism, etc.

Tapir Gao, state BJP President called upon the people to celebrate one’s own festival with true spirit and enthusiasm. Praising the people for participating in huge numbers, he said that religion and culture are two different facets, which should not be mixed. He urged the young generation to actively participate, learn from their elders and take up the responsibility of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the State.

Minister, PHE & WS, Wangki Lowang, who is also the local MLA, said that Chalo Loku is one of the agriculture festivals of the Nocte community which is celebrated for recreation and merrymaking after abseason of hard work. It is the time to forget and set aside differences and sit together for feasting, he added. 

On the occasion, the Dy. CM released a Nocte modern audio album ‘Kangthe Kowa’ produced by Er Gangtong Bangyang and Dr Vineetha Dowerah and a book titled ‘Ethos of Heart’ written by Thajam Aboh.

Earlier, Mein participated in the Log Drum ‘Thum’ beating and a festival ritual at Rangsom Hum.

Among others, Wangpha Lowang, former Lok Sabha MP from East Parliamentary Constituency and Wanglong Rajkumar, public leader were also present on the occasion.