Cultural programmes and a community feast were at the heart of the 52nd Si Donyi Hilo festival, celebrated by the Tagin community at Si Donyi Jaaring, Lumro village, and across Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. The event was marked by vibrant traditional attire as members of the Tagin community gathered for day-long festivities. The State Home Minister, Mama Natung, attended as the chief guest alongside Kego Jilen, Commissioner of Itanagar Municipal Corporation, and former MLA Kipa Babu as special guests.
In his address, Natung emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural and traditional heritage of the community, particularly urging the younger generation to take an active role. He highlighted the state government’s initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated department for safeguarding indigenous cultures, the launch of four Gurukuls, with five more proposed for the current year’s budget, as part of their efforts to promote and protect these traditions. He articulated the significance of indigenous festivals in fostering peaceful coexistence, warning that the loss of traditional practices, such as prayers and chanting, could lead to a loss of identity.
Additionally, Natung announced an honorarium of Rs 3,333 for registered priests and urged them not to accept monetary contributions, assuring government support in maintaining their roles. Mementos were presented to priests and co-priests during the event.
Competitions were an integral part of the festival, with the Si Nyijir Ponung team winning first place in the Si Ponung dance competition, Anv Yapv coming in second, and Ghunchi Ane in third. The Ghunchi Ane Ponung Team also triumphed in the group dance competition, while Donyi Ane won in the male group dance category. A memorandum requesting flood protection work for the festival ground was likewise submitted to the Home Minister, underscoring the community’s proactive approach towards the sustainability of their cultural celebrations.
