PASIGHAT, Mar 25: The 3rd edition of Bharat Lok Sangeet – Arunachal Pradesh Utsav, organized by the Department of Tourism, GoAP in collaboration with the East Siang District Administration, got off to a colorful start at the Siang festival ground near Raneghat here today with rhythmic performances and a grand celebration of India’s cultural richness and inspiring a deeper appreciation of our rich culture and heritage, besides promoting economic activities for the people.
Held under the aegis of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the two-day festival brings together a blend of indigenous traditions and classical art forms. The event showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh alongside captivating performances by folk artists from across the country.
The festival aims to promote cultural harmony and national integration by providing a platform for artists to share their traditions, stories, and artistic expressions. From mesmerizing folk dances to soulful musical performances, the event offers audiences an immersive cultural experience, reflecting the true spirit of India’s unity in diversity.
The inaugural event featured folk dances of various tribes -Adi, Puroik, Lisu, Ollo, and Bugun. A drummer team from Tirap, and the Garba dance of Gujarat, Veerabhadra Kunitha from Karnataka, besides an immersive performance by Dr Delong Padung & band closed the programme.
Inaugurating the event, the MLA and Advisor to Ministers of Education and Home, Muchu Mithi emphasized the importance of holding onto our traditional heritage and art forms, specially in context of today’s time and age. He said that the customs, art forms, and cultural expressions nurtured and passed down through generations form the essence of identity and a deep source of cultural pride that need to be passed down to future generations.
Local MLAs Ninong Ering & Tapi Darang, PMC Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko, Councillors, SP East Siang Pankaj Lamba, ADC (HQs) Pebika Lego, and 5th IRBN Commandant Garima Singh, among a host of cultural enthusiasts witnessed and appreciated the traditional folk performances.
Secretary Tourism (GoAP) Ranphoa Ngowa also highlighted the role of the Utsav in encouraging folk artistes and also creating opportunities for sustainable and cultural tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
Director Tourism R Rakshap, Deputy Director Tourism Bengia Manna Sonam, and District Tourism Officer Leena Perme were the key tourism officials present on the occasion. (DIPRO)