[ Prafulla Kaman ]
JONAI (Assam), Mar 23: “Festivals are a medium of uniting people and provide platforms for exchanging ideas and developing better understanding among the people of different communities,” said former Rajya Sabha member Nyodek Yonggam.
Yonggam was speaking during the closing ceremony of the 64th Central Ali Aye Ligang, which concluded here on Friday evening.
“The Mising tribe is the second largest tribal group in Assam and they have their own culture, traditional attires and behaviour to ensure their unique identity,” Yonggam said.
Stating that the agriculture festivals of tribal groups have the same objective and significance, the ex-MP urged the youths to shoulder the responsibility to preserve their ancestral cultures in order to keep their identity intact.
Joint Adi-Mising Coordination Committee head Okom Yosung said the committee has been working tirelessly for the promotion of Adi-Mising unity. He advised the Mising youths to celebrate their ethnic festival “with utmost discipline, rather than make it symbolic.”
Recalling the efforts of the committee in serving the disaster-hit people, Yosung urged the communities’ people to maintain their relationship.
Among others, leading citizens from the Adi community, including Todol Pertin, Tabung Ering, Majit Pao, Dr Dhananjay Pait, Antony Gamoh and many others attended the programme and spoke in favour of Adi-Mising unification through cultural exchanges.
The concluding programme of Ali Aye Ligang was attended by Jonai SDO (C) Nisarge Hivare, who assured every possible help from the local administration’s end for smooth conduct of community festivals.
The festival was conducted by the Murkongselek Mising Kristi Kabang in collaboration with the Aane Billam Ligang Committee and the Mising Students’ Union-TMPK.
The two-day festival started with Taku-Kubaat, which was followed by competitions in Gumrag dance, Lotta soman and other cultural presentations.
Exhibition of Mising traditional attires, a food mela and presentation of Mibu (priest) dance and Selloi dance were some special attractions of the two-day festive celebration.