Arunachal Governor, CM Pema Khandu extend 'Chalo Loku' greetings

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (retd) Dr B.D. Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended their greetings to the Nocte community on the happy occasion of 'Chalo Loku' festival, on Tuesday.

The Governor expressed his hope that the socio-religious festival will foster the message of peace and brotherhood amongst the fellow citizens of the State and the country.

In his message to the people, Dr Mishra said that traditional tribal festivals have profound significance in the social and religious life of its practitioners. Festivals enable them to practice ethnicity through sacrament in day-to-day life and inculcate valuable socio-ethical values amongst the people like respect for the elders and respect for the environment.

"Festivals play an important role in the preservation of the traditional socio-religious values and rituals. It helps in promoting various local skills be it in art form or handicraft or other areas of productivity. Festivals also present the tribals with the opportunity for social cohesion and unity with the members of other communities," he said. The Governor added that in the State the distinct culture and tradition of each tribe are the true reflections of unity in diversity.

"We must preserve our rich cultural heritage in original form and teach our children the same. The demand of the time, therefore, is that we promote active participation of every individual and every family in the festival rejoicing for community harmony and amity," said the Governor. "On this auspicious occasion, I join the Noctes to offer our prayer to almighty Rang for socio-cultural and socio-economic well being of one and all," the Governor said while appealing to every citizen of the state to observe all protective protocols against COVID-19 during the festival.

Joining the Noctes, one of the most vibrant major tribes of the State, in celebrating the end of harvest, Khandu bade farewell to the outgoing season and prayed the Almighty to bestow a better harvest next year.

"ChaloLoku is as colourful as the Noctes, who have been blessed by Mother Nature with her bounty. While thanking the Almighty for a bountiful harvest this season, I join my Nocte brethren in offering prayers for a better season next year," he said in a message. The Chief Minister appreciated the Noctes for celebrating Loku every year with traditional fervor not only in their villages but also at places across the state and country wherever they have a sizeable presence.He said, this proved their respect and attachment with their roots. However, due to pandemic, this year's celebration has been restricted with COVID-19 social appropriate behaviour. He appealed to all to maintain strict COVID-19 protocols while celebrating the festivity.

Also Watch: UPPL President Promod Boro condoles Tarun Gogoi's death

Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh COVID tally rises to 16,061