PASIGHAT, Sep 6: The four-day central Solung festival celebration began with gaiety and traditional fervour at Gidii Notko, Pasighat on Friday.

The 57th edition of the festival by the Pasighat Central Solung Festival Committee (PCSFC) commenced with traditional ritual Taku Tabat performed by Arunachal University vice-chancellor Prof Tomo Riba.

Extending festival greetings to the people, Prof Riba said that our age-old festival celebrated since time immemorial reflects our rich repository of traditions, culture and mythology that need to be passed down to the future generations.

He briefed the significance of performing Taku Tabat, Ekop to propitiate the Dadi Bote, Kine Nane and Doying Bote for the well-being of mankind and prosperity.

Prof Riba invoked the blessings of Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo, the torchbearer of the indigenous faith movement and further added that Solung mythology traces the origin of mankind and the significance of the festival for peace and prosperity and bumper harvest.

He called for protection and preservation of our festivals, customs, folklore, dances and traditions for posterity adding that festivals promote the spirit of oneness and community bonding.

Prof Riba urged all to contribute towards Mother Nature by planting trees, minimizing the usage of plastics and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Donyi Polo Trust chairperson Katung Wage urged the members of the Adi community to pass on the rich cultural heritage and traditions to younger generations and let them take pride in their heritage, dialects and customs.

He disclosed that IFCSAP is currently undertaking ‘Mission towards indigenous roots with the objective of protecting and documentation of our rich heritage and roots’.

He appealed to the indigenous people to preserve their age-old belief systems, folklores, folktales, customs, traditions and dialects, “and protect them from vanishing, through documentation and various efforts.”

Wage praised the organizing committee members for hosting the event in a befitting manner.

Local MLA Tapi Darang disclosed that 10 new Ganggings are likely to be set up in his constituency.

He also disclosed that new MRI machines in Bakin Pertin general hospital and auditoriums and staff quarters for schools will be taken up.

Okiam Moyong Borang, the first-ever woman president of the Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, in her address, expressed gratitude to all to witness the start of the festival.

She acknowledged the tireless contributions of the organizing team in order to successfully host the mega event.

Earlier, T R Pertin highlighted the Solung mythology followed by a colourful cultural display of traditional dances by the Rengging Ane party.

East Siang SP Dr Sachin Singhal, 5th IRBn commandant Aishwarya Sharma, former MLA Kaling Moying, ADC (HQ) Tatling Pertin, host of government officers and the general public were present.