BOLENG, Sep 2: Solung, the most popular agro-based festival of the Adi community was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety at Boleng, the headquarters of Siang district on Thursday.
Gracing the occasion, MP Tapir Gao urged all to take the Adi culture forward and maintain brotherhood. He also highlighted the need to strengthen one's traditional and cultural roots and to give love and respect to elders.
Earlier, Boum Padung (ADO) expressed Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s regret on his inability to attend the programme due to health issues, but that he expressed his love for his Adi brothers and sisters and the rich culture of the Adi tribe. He also urged everyone to continue this tradition of celebrating Solung and to nurture the bond that is created in such a festival.
Advisor of Minister PWD, Phurpa Tsering wished everyone present a happy Solung and conveyed CM Khandu’s personal message and announcement of a 2-crore project for Boleng's Solung ground gallery on behalf of the Chief Minister. He said Khandu also promised to visit Siang district very soon and inaugurate the newly-constructed Nugong bridge, the ADC headquarters at Pangin and the Rasing bridge. MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom also attended the programme. Later, Gao, Namchoom and Nyamar Karbak visited the Nugong bridge. The programme was commemorated with songs, traditional dances and a community feast.
Meanwhile, Pangin witnessed the Solung giidi celebration with much pomp and gaiety.
Phurpa Tsering, MLA cum advisor to Minister PWD, graced the occasion as chief guest. He announced Rs 2 crore for infrastructural development in Pangin and Rs 10 lakh from MLALAD fund for completion of the Pangin Donyi Polo Gangging.
On the occasion, Tsering called upon the public to rise above religious ‘differences’ and participate in festivals to preserve one’s culture and traditions.
Local MLA Ojing Tasing, the guest of honour while congratulating the Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Pangin informed the public of his ‘vision’ to develop Pangin with the establishment of an independent ADC HQs at Pangin ‘soon’ being one such achievement. (DIPROs)