Namsai, Apr 15: The Day 2 celebrations of the International Maha Sangken Festival 2025 at Manfaiseng village here witnessed vibrant cultural and religious fervour on Tuesday, with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein leading the observances.
The day began with traditional prayers and the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha statue at Pubbana Sasana Rakkhita Buddha Vihara, marking the spiritual core of the Tai Khamti community’s New Year celebration.
The event was graced by the Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Enrico Bartoli, along with his daughter Julia Bartoli and colleague Kapil Kumria. Notable dignitaries, including MLA Oken Tayeng and guests from the United States and Thailand, also attended, adding an international flavour to the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Mein welcomed all guests and expressed gratitude for their presence, which he said brought significance and grace to the celebration. Emphasising Sangken’s deep socio-religious importance, Mein highlighted its widespread observance across Southeast Asian nations and the Yunnan province of China, where it is marked as a water festival symbolising renewal and new beginnings.
“This year’s International Maha Sangken Festival is a step toward establishing Namsai as a cultural destination,” Mein said, adding that increased international participation will boost cultural tourism and strengthen the local economy. He expressed optimism about making the event bigger in the coming years to promote Arunachal’s unique traditions on the global stage.
The deputy chief minister also acknowledged the presence of international delegates, especially from Thailand, and thanked Ambassador Bartoli for accepting the state’s invitation. He extended special appreciation to MLA Tayeng for inviting top tour operators from across India and abroad.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bartoli expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality. Deeply moved by the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival, he praised the evening rituals for symbolising harmony with nature and the human spirit.
“The festival’s essence of purification and fresh beginnings is universally meaningful,” he said, adding that the presence of Thai delegates lent a truly global character to the event.
Also present at the event were Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa, revered Bhantes, international tour operators, district officials, and a large gathering of devotees and cultural enthusiasts.
Later in the evening, the dignitaries participated in key Sangken rituals at Empong—one of the oldest Tai Khamti villages—including the lighting of candle boats and the release of sky lanterns. They also visited the Empong Buddha Vihara, locally revered as “Ti-Met” or the holy place, and offered prayers.
