ITANAGAR, 15 Apr: The Nyishi community of the state celebrated Longte festival on Monday.
In the Itanagar Capital Region, the celebration took place at the Nyikum Niya ground in Nirjuli, and at the Nyokum Lapang ground here. The Longte flag was hoisted by Itanagar Municipal Corporation Executive Engineer Yumlam Take, in the presence of a mammoth gathering.
Addressing the gathering, Nyishi Festival Council (NFC) secretary Amith Bengia said that “Longte is the lone unique bloodless festival among all festivals celebrated by numerous Abotani tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.”
Highlighting the aims and objectives of the festival, the NFC secretary said that “the main philosophy behind the celebration is to place a barricade between the domains of evil spirits and human beings.”
This year’s Longte celebration was partially affected by the upcoming simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. However, people still turned out in good numbers to participate on the ceremonial day at the Nyokum Lapang ground here and the Nyikum Niya ground in Nirjuli.
The NFC secretary appealed to all the participants to “maintain the true spirit of Longte festival by maintaining peace and tranquillity during the ongoing festival of democracy.”
He also appealed to one and all to come out and exercise their adult franchise “to elect the best and competent leader(s) to strengthen our democratic process.”
Traditional games and sports, food stalls’ exhibition and the cultural extravaganza will be held from 24 to 28 April as part of post-Longte celebration, celebration committee chairman Chera Siro informed.
