ITANAGAR, Dec 1: Aiming at reaffirming the people’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich Indigenous culture, faith, and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, the Indigenous Faith Day 2025, organized by the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), was celebrated across the length and breadth of the State with great enthusiasm and devotion.
This year’s celebration witnessed unprecedented participation, with leaders, resource persons, and executive members of IFCSAP travelling to various parts of the State to engage with the public and spread awareness on Indigenous identity and constitutional safeguards.
Indigenous Faith Day 2025 was marked by unity, devotion and cultural pride across Arunachal Pradesh. From Ziro to Pasighat, Upper Siang to Itanagar, and through Anjaw, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang, Longding, Roing, Bomdila, Nafra and several other regions, the celebrations showcased the collective resolve of the people to preserve, practise and promote their indigenous culture, faith and identity.
PASIGHAT: At Bilat in East Siang district, the key event was graced by Home & Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung and IFCSAP president Dr Emi Rumi, along with MLAs Ninong Ering and Tapi Darang. They underlined the importance of cultural unity and identity preservation.
Taking to his ‘X’ handle, Natung said: “Attended the Indigenous Faith Day Celebration 2025 at Er. Tameng Jamoh Memorial Ground, Bilat, East Siang District, Pasighat today along with Dr. Emi Rumi, President IFSCAP, and HMLAs Ninong Ering Ji & Er. Tapi Darang Ji.”
In his post, the Minister said: “It was truly inspiring to witness the rich cultural expressions, prayers and meaningful sessions led by the community, reflecting deep pride in our indigenous traditions and spiritual heritage.”
Hailing the conduct of the crucial event, Natung said: “Heartfelt appreciation to IFCSAP East Siang Unit, CDPYK and all organisers for hosting such a vibrant and spiritually enriching programme. My best wishes to everyone working tirelessly to preserve and promote our age-old faith and identity.”
ZIRO: The Apatani Danyi Piilo Meder Nello Council (ADPMNC) led the celebrations at Ziro under the agies of IFCSAP Lower Subansiri Unit. The programme emphasized the preservation of Apatani culture, traditions and spiritual practices, especially among the younger generation.
The event began with Diima Hama performed by students of Gurukul School, Ziro, invoking blessings prior to the formal proceedings.
On the occasion, cultural teams from Danyi Piilo Meder Nello Siilang Ditting, VKV Ziro, Supung Meder Nello, Mising Cultural Group, Abotani Vidya Niketan, Paph Meder Nell, and Kokko Meder Nello presented devotional cultural items.
Local MLA Hage Appa (chief guest), and Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme (guest of honour), addressing the gathering, commended the organizers for their devotion to safeguarding age-old traditions.
The occasion also witnessed several national and international awardees getting honoured honoured, along with posthumous awards to Late Lod Kojee, Late Millo Lampung and Late Takhe Diibo as part of the celebrations.
Former Minister Tage Taki, and retired bureaucrat Hage Kojeen also spoke on the occasion.
Hage Obin, president IFCSAP Lower Subansiri District Unit, also spoke on the occasion, while Popi Wing Chairman Dr Mudang Elyu delivered the keynote address.
Earlier, ADPMNC president Dani Yubbe highlighted youth participation in cultural protection.
YINKIONG: The celebration of Indigenous Faith Day in Upper Siang district featured colourful performances by schoolchildren and community groups.
A procession was taken across Yinkiong town in the morning, where people from all walks of life joined the event.
Deputy Commissioner Talom Jerang and IFCSAP secretary Maya Murtem joined the celebrations, and encouraged the preservation of indigenous spiritual heritage.
She encouraged youths to turn out in large numbers and spearhead the preservation efforts of the Indigenous organizations.
ITANAGAR: In Itanagar’s Nyokum Lapang, Indigenous Faith Day saw enthusiastic participation from the community.
Dignitaries such as Dr Ligu Tacho, former IFCSAP president, and Bai Taba, vice president IFCSAP, attended the programme.
They collectively emphasized the importance of safeguarding Arunachal’s indigenous belief systems, rituals, and cultural practices for future generations.
HAYULIANG: Gyamde Gumja Tamin (assistant general secretary) participated in the Indigenous Faith Day celebration in Anjaw district’s Hayuliang, and encouraged the local community to uphold traditional values.
BOMDILA: Mameh Dada, women wing secretary and Olom Perme, vice president, youth wing, took part in the celebration here in West Kameng district, and motivated women and youth in cultural revival.
NAFRA: Moi Bagra, Convener IFCSAP, joined the celebrations at Nafra in Bichom district with strong messages on cultural protection.
Other IFCSAP executive members also travelled across remote regions, ensuring participation in almost every corner of the State.
Members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of IFCSAP travelled widely and served as resource persons in various districts. They addressed public concerns and clearly explained the purpose and scope of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA).
They emphasized that APFRA does NOT affect ST status nor does affect MGNREGA job cards or permit delisting of ST status. They further added that APFRA exists solely to protect indigenous faith, culture and traditional practices.
This message was strongly delivered across the State to counter misinformation and ensure clarity among the public, according to a press note issued by the IFCSAP issued here today.
Khonsa: Indigenous Faith Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence across Tirap district, highlighting the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Nocte community.
The main programme was held at Khathak Rang Rangsom Home, where Khonsa West MLA and Advisor to the Minister of Transport & DoTCL, Chakat Aboh, attended as Chief Guest, and Tirap Deputy Commissioner Liyi Bagra as the Guest of Honour.
The celebration began with the sacred Rangtam ritual, performed by elders from Lapnan, Borduria and Lazu villages. Organising Secretary Nokchop Khoiyang highlighted the significance of the day in strengthening cultural identity.
IFCSAP Tirap Unit president Ngasah Tangjang and IFCSAP CEC Amoso Khamblai stressed the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and the mother tongue through Gurukul education.
DIA member Sontung Bangsia and DC Liyi Bagra urged continued practice of indigenous customs to safeguard identity. Addressing the gathering, Chakat Aboh described the Almighty Rang as omnipotent and called upon the younger generation to uphold ancestral traditions.
The event featured vibrant traditional dances by cultural troupes from various villages and witnessed active participation of IFCSAP Tirap Unit and Tirap Indigenous People’s Society (TIPS). The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by TIPS president Senok Sumnyan, followed by a community feast.
Daporijo: The 26th Indigenous Faith Day was observed with great enthusiasm at the Indigenous Ground in Daporijo. Local MLA Taniya Soki graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Ponga Gango, ZPM Baririjo, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Taniya Soki stated that 1st December has been declared as Indigenous Faith Day across Arunachal Pradesh by the present government to preserve and promote the age-old traditions and cultures of the indigenous communities. He highlighted initiatives such as the creation of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) and the provision of monthly honorarium to indigenous priests for their welfare. He also appealed to the public to uphold peace and communal harmony, and to avoid differences based on caste, community, region or religion.
Resource persons who spoke on the occasion included Larji Rigia, President (TCS), Reri Pimbu Sorum, President IFCSAP District Unit, Taro Nilling, Secretary, Tagin Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society (TIF&CS), Tapir Game, Galo Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society (GIF&CS), and Marging Taji, former Assistant General Secretary (HQ), IFCSAP.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Reri Tago Dulom, former General Secretary of IFCSAP Upper Subansiri Unit, who passed away last year while engaged in indigenous activities. A posthumous award was also presented in recognition of his dedication and sacrifices.