Central Solung celebration begins with traditional fervour

PASIGHAT, Sep 9: The four-day long 53rd central Solung celebration of the Adi community began at Giidi Notko here in East Siang district on Monday.
Attending the festival, local MLA Kaling Moyong said the socio-cultural festival of the Adi community is also an occasion to showcase and share the rich cultural heritage, folk dances and songs, Ponung dance, costumes and ethnic cuisines with others.
“Let’s extend our traditional hospitality to the visiting players, the team members of the senior women’s national football championship, and other visitors to join and experience our rich tradition and culture,” said Moyong.
Earlier, invoking the prayer of Solung festival, ‘Ute denne densa molangka/Koje denne densa molangka,'” the MLA extended Solung greetings to all and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the community and humankind as a whole.
Tanw Supun Dukun general secretary Prof Pura Tago advocated development of an approved common language for the Abo Tani tribes, adding that they share a common root language while also tracing a common origin.
Prof Tago lauded the Adi community for their pioneering roles and contributions in various fields, particularly in the fields of education and culture.
“We are indebted as a whole to the Adi community,” he said, referring to the pioneers of the community who played the role of torchbearers in the socioeconomic growth of the state.
He called for promotion of more cultural exchanges and harmonious growth of the various communities of the state and the nation.
“Irrespective of our faiths, we must come together to celebrate and promote our rich culture and heritage,” he said.
Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) secretary-general Bai Taba said: “Our traditional festivals are our identity, and celebration of traditional festivals strengthens our cultural values and ethos and promotes community bonding, particularly among the younger generation.”
Taba also remembered the contribution of Guru Lambona Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo for his immense contribution for preservation of indigenous faiths and culture of the various communities of the state.
“A gurukul model institution to impart knowledge about the rich culture and customs to the young generation is proposed and mooted to be set up in Pasighat, the birthplace of Talom Rukbo,” he informed.
Celebration committee president Mongol Gao highlighted the collective efforts made by all to ensure a successful celebration, and highlighted the need for a permanent multipurpose hall at Giidi Notko.
The guests earlier performed the Solung ritual of Taku Tabat. The Binnyat team was led by Binnyat Ane Dr Yater Ringu Darrang.
The MLA later inaugurated the traditional food stalls.
Cultural competitions (folk dance) among troupes from various villages and Ponung on Limir Libom Abang were the other highlights of the celebration.
Ruksin MLA Ninong Ering, State Food Commission member Nanom Jamoh, PWD (Central Zone) CE Markar Bam, senior citizens and GBs, among others, joined in the inaugural celebration of the festival. (DIPRO)