HT Correspondent
MECHUKA, Jan 6: The Tagin community of Shi-Yomi district celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Si-Donyi Hilo at Mechuka with traditional fervour and gaiety.
The festival, which honours the Earth (Si) and the Sun (Donyi), marked 25 years of its observance in the district, having been first celebrated in 2001.
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Deputy Commissioner of Shi-Yomi district Tungge Loya attended the celebrations as the chief guest, while Tanil Komi, President of the Boh Ramo Bokar Welfare Society, was the guest of honour.
Minister for Labour and Employment, Information and Public Relations Nyato Dukam graced the occasion as chief patron, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mechuka Tana Yaho as patron.
Special guests at the programme included Superintendent of Police, Shi-Yomi district Sang Khandu Thongdok and Norbu Tsering Naksang, President of the Neh Nang Cultural Development Society.
The celebrations began with traditional prayers offered at the Yagging (altar), seeking prosperity and protection, followed by colourful traditional dance performances by community members.
Members of the first Si-Donyi Hilo Celebration Committee of Mechuka, 2001, were felicitated for their pioneering role in initiating the festival in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Tungge Loya emphasised the importance of preserving cultural identity through the celebration of indigenous festivals and called for strengthening brotherhood and unity among different communities by participating in one another’s cultural events.
Minister Nyato Dukam also highlighted the need to ensure continuity of traditional practices and encouraged the Tagin community of Shi-Yomi district to uphold their customs and celebrate Si-Donyi Hilo in an even grander manner in the years to come.
