Ethnic festivals a great means to foster bonding: Arunachal Guv

Itanagar, Feb 6    Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik on Tuesday said ethnic festivals are a great means to foster bonding respect our roots and take pride in our cultural heritage and traditions.
Participating in the Boori-Boot Yullo celebration at Naharlagun on Tuesday along with his wife Angha Parnaik, the Governor, said "We must modernize but anchor to our roots", urged upon the people to continue to retain the customs and traditions and positively look towards development in the field of education, art, literature, health and prosperity of the people. He advised all to promote their mother tongue and community bonding.
The Governor said most of the festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are closely associated with agrarian activities, environment, and nature. The festivals serve as a mark of respect for conservation and protection of flora and fauna and Mother Nature.
They visited the Boori-Boot Yullo altar (Uii Rugi) and the Nyib Naam (Priest House) and interacted with priests and participants and participated in the customary Punu dance with cultural troupes and invitees.
The Governor said within the bounds of State and nationalist priorities, as part of ‘Viksit Bharat’ which is a dream vision of the Prime Minister, the people, particularly the youth must contribute, which he pointed out will greatly propel the vision in Arunachal Pradesh. He exhorted the youth to partake in the nation-building and imbibe the spirit of Nation First.
Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, who also attended the celebration, stressed for documentation of the cultural values, traditions and practices of various tribes of the State.
Chairman of Boori-Boot Yullo Celebration Committee Tadak Lardak Murtem and secretary Gepu Don also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier on their arrival, the Governor and his wife were accorded a traditional reception by the elders, youths, and Punu troupes.
A cultural programme, depicting the cultural essence of the Nyishi community of Kamle district was presented on the occasion, which was followed by a customary feast.