ITANAGAR, Sep 13: The Central Pham-Kho Sowai Festival was celebrated at Magopam in West Kameng district with traditional rituals, cultural programmes, sporting events and traditional Bugun cuisine.
Organised by the Association of Bugun Khowa Samaj (ABKS), the festival marked the harvesting season, which holds special significance for the Bugun community.
The opening ceremony was attended by Brig Vineet Goyal of 5 Mountain Artillery Brigade, Dahung, as chief guest, and Murnya Kakki, ADC, Singchung, as guest of honour.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, in the presence of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar.
The harvesting season is celebrated by the Bugun community with traditional fervour and gaiety after the completion of agricultural activities. During the festival, prayers and rituals are offered to various deities, including Moi Sna, regarded as the God of Prosperity, and Amua Ziongma, the God of Life, besides the spirits associated with Pham (mountains) and Kho (rivers and water).
Cultural performances, sporting events and traditional delicacies were among the major attractions of the celebration.