Walong, Feb 5: Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul on Wednesday emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural identity of the Meyor community while attending the vibrant Lha Chhut festival at Tinai in the Walong circle of Anjaw district.
“The Lha Chhut festival is an important occasion that reflects the rich traditions and spiritual values of the Meyor community. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard and pass these traditions to future generations,” Pul stated in her address.
Highlighting environmental conservation, she urged for the protection of the region's lush pine forests, underscoring their dual role in ecological balance and sustaining tourism.
“Preserving the natural beauty of our landscape is crucial not only for ecological balance but also to sustain tourism in this picturesque region,” she added.
As part of the festivities, the minister launched six pictorial glossaries on the Meyor language under the theme “Let Us Learn Meyor” to support linguistic preservation. A documentary film on the festival, produced by the Department of Indigenous Affairs, was also unveiled, spotlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
The festival, rich with traditional dances, sacred rituals, and community feasts, witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries, including indigenous affairs director Sokhep Kri, Anjaw zilla parishad chairperson Soblem Pul, deputy commissioner Millo Kojin, superintendent of police Rike Kamsi and zilla parishad members Anjoy Ama and Dangseplu Pul, along with various department heads and officials.
Kri praised the Meyor community's dedication to cultural preservation.
“Festivals like Lha Chhut play a crucial role in keeping our traditions alive and fostering a sense of pride among younger generations,” he remarked.
The annual Lha Chhut festival continues to stand as a beacon of unity, spiritual devotion, and cultural pride for the Meyor community.