Itanagar, Mar 15: The International Mahasangken festival will be celebrated in Namsai this April, with participation expected from foreign delegates from Thailand, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said.
Members of the Tai Khamti Heritage & Literature Society (TKHLS) called on Mein on Friday to discuss the preparations for the event, which aims to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and tourism promotion in Arunachal.
Mahasangken, also known as Sangken or Songkran, marks the traditional New Year and is widely observed by Theravada Buddhist communities in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Sri Lanka. The festival is characterized by water-related rituals symbolizing purification and renewal.
"This year, we are not just celebrating Mahasangken as a festival but transforming it into an occasion for cultural exchange and people-to-people contact, which will boost tourism in the region," Mein said.
The festival typically features traditional dance, music, cultural performances, and religious rituals in accordance with Theravada Buddhist traditions. The water-splashing ceremony, an integral part of the celebrations, symbolizes washing away past misfortunes and ushering in the New Year with hope and positivity.
The deputy chief minister extended his best wishes to the members of TKHLS for the successful organization of the event and expressed confidence that the celebration would enhance Namsai's status as a cultural hub.
