Lauding the rich cultural presentation on the occasion with traditional attires, varied handlooms and handicrafts and exhibition of flora and fauna, varieties of local delicacies by the people of the Idu Mishmi Community showcasing their rich inherited cultural heritage and traditions, Chowna Mein said, “Handlooms of the Idu Mishmi Tribe are one of the best in Arunachal Pradesh.” He called upon the new generation to keep the handlooms alive and pass this on to the next generation. He also said that the spiritual healing system of the tribe being performed by the Igu (priest) is very strong and appealing. He expressed his willingness to have a documentation of this rich heritage, and the culture to be kept alive for the future generations. Calling upon the younger generation to maintain the age-old culture and tradition, he said, “The younger generation has a responsibility to preserve the rich culture and tradition”. Mein also said, “Cultural revolution has boosted our culture a lot, and we should adopt good things to beautify it even more”.

Mein is in favour of the inclusion of the local language of every tribe of the State as the third language in their respective areas at the elementary stage of education so that the languages are not driven to extinction in the wave of globalization. He said, “Along with cultural revolution, economic revolution needs to be brought about. To do that we need political will.”

Mein also lauded the Enjalumenda Women’s Empowerment Forum, which is spearheading a campaign against drug menace in the community besides fighting for the rights of women and against domestic violence. He encouraged them, and said: “I am with you and I am ready to help you.” He appealed to all the public leaders and elite groups to support them in their endeavour to rid the society of the menace of drugs.

He informed that a proposal would be kept before the 14th Finance Commission to preserve and improvise the historical sites in the State in order to woo tourists.

Mibom Pertin, president (ABK) LDV District Unit who attended the celebration as the guest of honour, said Idu Mishmis were the pioneers of costumes, weaving skills and expertise in handlooms and handicrafts. He expressed hope that the Reh festival celebration would usher in brotherhood, peace and oneness among the two major tribes of the district by driving away misunderstanding and mistrust that existed between the two. He further said that the ABK district unit and IMCLS had a big role to play to keep this brotherhood and oneness among the two communities intact. He also called upon the youths to abstain from the use of drugs, opium and to limit the excessive use of alcohol during social gatherings and private functions, which according to him, were the root cause of fighting, accidents and other unwanted incidents.

Suraj Tayang, additional secretary of the Cultural & Literary Society of Mishmi, said that the Reh Festival brought in unification among the Mishmi brothers from Lohit and Dibang and Lower Dibang Valley districts.

On the occasion, IMCLS president Enju Linggi read out the mythology of the Reh Festival and narrated its significance. Munga Mimi, president and Arjun Mepo, general secretary of the Central Reh Celebration Committee, Roing also spoke on the occasion. Two CD albums – Ecopa, produced by Yona Mele and sponsored by Mukut Mithi, MP (RS) and Aalanu, produced by D.S. Production on Idu Modern songs – were also released on the occasion.

A variety of traditional dances and traditional fashion shows showcasing the rich costumes and handlooms and a skit on domestic violence, drug menace and women abuse by the Enjalumenda Women’s Empowerment Forum were presented on the occasion.

Earlier, the chief guest unfurled the Reh Flags and visited exotic flower exhibitions and food stalls set up by various NGOs and self-help groups. He also witnessed the Igu (priest) dance and garlanded the statue of Late Naba Ita Pulu.

MP Mukut Mithi, MLA Laeta Umbrey, ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi, DC Shiv Kumar and SP BK Singh were present among some foreign tourists and people from all walks of life.

Ripunjoy Das