ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The Indigenous Faiths Day was celebrated as Donyi-Polo Day with religious fervour and gaiety in all the Ganggings (Donyi-Polo prayer halls) all across East Siang district on December 31. With the State Government declaring the day as an official holiday, followers actively joined the celebrations in traditional attire. Formal prayers were offered and religious discourses held amongst intellectuals and the believers.
At Pasighat, local representatives, Education Minister Bosiram Siram and Lok Sabha MP Ninniong Ering visited the Ganggings and extended greetings to the people besides joining in the prayers for peace and prosperity. Both expressed confidence that the celebration would help in improving communal harmony and feeling of brotherhood amongst the people.
About 20 km from Pasighat at Ngopok under Mebo subdivision, indigenous people proclaimed the dignity and solemnity of the indigenous faith by taking out a colourful procession projecting diverse and rich Adi tradition through folk music and tableaux depicting various facets of the simple yet rich and colourful indigenous lifestyle. The procession culminated at the Ngopok Gangging Ground, where the ceremonial flag was hoisted and special prayers offered.
In a brief speech on the occasion, chief guest Onyok Pertin, East Siang DIPRO, appealed to all to preserve the great and rich tradition for the younger generation to take up. He later inaugurated an Adult Education Centre, locally established by the SHG of Ngopok village, and also released CDs showcasing religious activities of the Adis.
The Indigenous Faith Day was also observed at Jomo village under Rumgong Circle in West Siang district. To mark the day, hundreds of youths pledged to preserve, promote, protect and rejuvenate their indigenous faiths and beliefs for maintaining their distinct cultural identity.
Olom Talom, in-charge youth coordinator of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), exhorted the youths to play vital roles in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the State.
The main attraction of the day was presentation of traditional cultural shows, traditional games and sports like indigenous tug-of-war and cock fight. THE SENTINEL
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