ITANAGAR, Sep 10: The Bugun community of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the Pham-Kho-Sowai, a traditional harvest festival on Tuesday, with great pomp and gaiety at Singchung in West Kameng district.
Pham-Kho-Sowai, a popular harvesting festival of the Bugun tribe in West Kameng district, is celebrated on September 10 every year. The term “Pham-Kho” translates to “mountain” (Pham) and “river” (Kho, a polysemy for any form of water), both of which are considered by the Bugun people to be essential for human survival.
The festival is a celebration of nature and tradition and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Attending the festival, Minister of Industries, IPR, Labour & Employment Nyato Dukom extended his best wishes to the Bugun community for a bountiful harvest and emphasised the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
“We are going through a phase where we are losing our true identities by forgetting our culture and traditions. Festivals provide us with an opportunity to reconnect with our heritage through traditional attire, performances, rituals, and practices,” Dukam said in his address to the gathering.
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to preserve tribal culture, he said, “Recognising the importance of safeguarding our tribal traditions, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has established the Department of Indigenous Affairs, dedicated to protecting and promoting our indigenous cultures.”
He also spoke about the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, enriched by the diversity of its people, noting that the state is home to 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, each with its own unique culture. This diversity, he remarked, is a key factor in attracting tourists. However, he urged the local population to be hospitable towards visitors.
The Minister lauded the people of West Kameng for their achievements in agriculture and horticulture, acknowledging their understanding of the region’s topography, which has contributed to significant milestones in these sectors. He also expressed gratitude to the Bugun community for inviting him to experience their rich cultural heritage through the celebration.
Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombey and West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Akriti Sagar also graced the festival. Both the dignitaries delivered speeches on the occasion, offering their best wishes to the Bugun community.
The Bugun Welfare Society chairman Y Murphew highlighted the mythology behind Pham-Kho-Sowai, enriching the audience’s understanding of the festival’s significance.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the Bugun tribe’s unique traditions and artistry.
The event was also attended by Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, SP Bomdila, ADC Sinchung, representatives of community-based organisations, and Panchayat leaders, among others. (UNI )
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