Itanagar, Apr 5: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Kardo Nyigyor along with Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu inaugurated the annual five-day Malini Mela in Likabali in Lower Siang district recently.
The mega event will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the local people depicting its unique blend of mutual co-existence with the temple and the Hindu way of prayers which has withstood the test of time in the foothills of Likabali.
Speaking on the occasion, Nyigyor advocated for an equal stand of all religions to sustain the true spirit of secularism in the country.
He expressed hope that the Malinithan Mandir and the Akashi Ganga would continue to be the faces of Lower Siang district not only as religious places but also as one of the hot tourist destinations of the state.
Malinithan is an archaeological site containing the ruins of an early medieval period temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh. It is assumed to be built by the Chutia kings in the 13th-14th century.
Akashiganga is a rocky spot on a stream surrounded by forests. The beauty of the site is enhanced by a waterfall locally called Akashiganga and the waterfalls serves as a natural picturesque background for the temple ruins. The ruins indicate the existence of a Shiva temple in the site. Its unique natural beauty, hilly topography and forest attract people and the site remains a place for recreation over the ages.
Stating that the sense of hospitality among the people would play a key role in attracting tourists, Nyigyor appealed to people to show hospitality and promote Likabali to make it the best tourist destinations along the identified tourist circuits of the state.
In his speech, Kadu appreciated the efforts of the organising committee namely the Malinithan Vikas Parishad and the Lower Siang district administration.
He also highlighted the future prospects and avenues accruing to the district due to the Mela and urged that more publicity be prioritised for more tourist inflow.
Lower Siang deputy commissioner Rujjum Rakshap, who is also the Malinithan Vikas Parishad chairman, said the schedule of the mela had to be reverted in line with the Ram Navami Parv, to accommodate more devotees.
