Namsai: The inaugural edition of the ‘Folk Music & Dance Festival of Arunachal Pradesh’ burst into life with a kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms, captivating audiences with the rich tapestry of the state’s cultural heritage.
Organized by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the festival serves as a vibrant celebration of the state’s commitment to preserving its diverse cultural traditions. It provides a much-needed platform for local artists and performers of indigenous folk songs and dances to showcase their extraordinary talents.
Inaugurating the event, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein expressed the festival’s profound significance in preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge, thereby contributing immensely to the conservation of Arunachal’s unique cultural heritage on a global scale.
“Arunachal, home to 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, boasts a diverse range of folk songs, lores, and dances, each with its distinct identity. This intangible cultural heritage, passed down through generations, plays a vital role in promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity,” he said.
Highlighting the economic potential of arts and cultural industries, Mein urged individual artists to actively participate in preserving Arunachal’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that their involvement would not only attract tourists but also create ample livelihood opportunities within the state’s cultural and entertainment industry.
The deputy chief minister also lauded the leaders of various traditional authorities for their pivotal role as custodians of cultural values and heritage in Arunachal Pradesh.
The inaugural ceremony also witnessed Mein felicitate Indian Idol (Season 14) Top 7 finalist Obom Tangu on behalf of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the state government.
Over the course of two days, the festival will feature captivating performances by 18 indigenous folk musical dance groups and 5 folk musical bands from the state.
Additionally, three selected teams will have the prestigious opportunity to perform alongside 12 other cultural troupes from various states of India at the ‘Bharat Lok Sangeet – Arunachal Utsav 2024’ on March 02 and 03, further promoting cultural integration in alignment with the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ vision.
Among others, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, MLAs Gum Tayeng, Laisam Simai, Dasanglu Pul and Jummum Ete Deori, Padmashree Awardee and GI Expert Dr Rajani Kant, NABARD chief general manager Partho Saha along with officials and cultural delegates from different districts of the state witnessed the inaugural event.
