Itanagar, Feb 13: Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik has extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the State on the eve of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi, the annual ethno-cultural festival of the Singpho tribe.
Shapawng Yawng is the forefather of the Singphos. The word ‘Poi’ means festival and ‘Manau’ means dance, thus Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi stands for dance festival in honour of Shapawng Yawng.
With its sacred rituals, traditional dances, cultural performances, community feasts, and literary discussions, Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi has become a vital medium for preserving the cultural heritage of the community, the Governor said.
This festival also serves as a platform for intellectual discourse, where scholars from the state and beyond engage in discussions on the preservation of customs, traditions, and the socio-economic development of the community. These efforts play a crucial role in carrying forward the rich legacy of the Singpho community, he said.
“On this propitious occasion, I join my Singpho brethren in offering prayer to Shapawng Yawng to bless us all with peace, progress, and prosperity,” the Governor said in his message. He expressed hope that the vibrant folk dance festival continues to foster socio-cultural growth across all communities in the state and play a vital role in preserving its rich cultural heritage.