LIKABALI, Apr 9: The most anticipated Ram Navami Festival-2022 got underway at the famous archaeological site Malinithan, Likabali in Lower Siang district on Saturday with Deputy Commissioner cum President of Malinithan Vikash Parishad (MVP) Marto Riba inaugurating the five-day event.
The DC, while inaugurating the festival, informed that every year the district administration and the MVP organize Ram Navami (one of the biggest Hindu spring festivals). But this time, the Ministry of DoNER, Ministry of Culture, Govt of Gujarat and Govt of Arunachal Pradesh have jointly decided to celebrate Madhavpur Ghed Festival near Dwarka in Gujarat during Ram Navami. Therefore, a parallel programme is being organized on April 10 at Likabali, Lower Siang district.
This makes the festival special this time, since it will cater to a large audience with lots of additional activities and become a symbol of integrity between the eastern and the western part of India with regards to cultural diversity and tradition, Riba said.
Lower Siang SP K P Singh spoke on the significance of the celebration of Ram Navami. He requested the general public to not indulge in gambling and intoxicating items and maintain the sanctity of the place during the festival.
CO-cum-Member Secretary Nobu Chader said that the main objective of this celebration is to bring about cultural exchange by various tribes such as Assamese, Bodo, Nepali, Mising and Galo community in memory of the marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. He also informed that the famous Malini Mela shall be organized in the month of January during the Makar Sankranti.
Among others, local ZPM Senbom Taipodia and MVP vice president Sengo Taipodia were also present.
Large numbers of visitors, a mix of young and old, men and women from various places thronged the festival on the very first day. People were enthralled at the sight of more than hundred stalls ranging from consumer commodities such as clothes, kitchen appliances to food and other games. This variety in stalls promises the festival goers all the scope for gratification and reliving the rich heritage.
Ram Navami Puja food stalls, ethnic/local cuisines, mega exposition of local handloom & handicraft products, and giving out Puja items as prasad/souvenirs are some of the highlights of the festival. The organizers have made special efforts to play a drama on “Rukmini Haran”, folk dance & cultural exchange show on April 10 and cultural extravaganza by local artists on April 11. (DIPRO)
The Madhavpur Ghed Mela of Gujarat shares its connect to the Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. The festival celebrates the immortal journey which Rukmini undertook from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna. Bhismaknagar, located near Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, also finds mention in Kalika Purana.
Madhavpur Ghed, a small but culturally significant village, is the place where, according to folklore, Lord Krishna married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. This event is commemorated by a cultural fair held every year, commencing on Ram Navami. A colourful chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna circumnavigates the village and the festivities usually continue for five days.
Madhavpur Mela this year will witness magnificent folk cultural performances from the North-East, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Troupes from Assam will perform Rukmini Haran, a popular folk theatre of the region. Musical troupe from Manipur will sing songs related to Rukmini in the Khullong Ishei and Nat genre. Dance dramas based on Rukmini-Krishna legends from Arunachal and Manipur and folk dance of the Idu Mishmi tribe from Arunachal will be part of the varied repertoire.