The Bugun community celebrated the Pham-Kho-Sowai, a traditional harvest festival, with great pomp and gaiety at the festival ground in Sinchung town of West Kameng District.
Nyato Dukom, Minister of Industries, IPR, Labour & Employment etc. attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he extended his best wishes to the Bugun community for a bountiful harvest and emphasized 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,” he said.
Minister Dukom further highlighted the state government’s efforts to preserve tribal culture. “Recognizing 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 added.
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 provide responsible and welcoming hospitality to 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 attended the event as the Guest of Honour, while the Deputy Commissioner of Bomdila, Akriti Sagar (IAS), was present as a Special Guest. Both dignitaries delivered speeches on the occasion, offering their best wishes to the Bugun community.
Y. Murphew, Chairman of the Bugun Welfare Society (BWS), took the opportunity to narrate 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 graced by the presence of Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Shri T.N. Glow, SP Bomdila, ADC Sinchung, administrative officers, heads of departments, ZPMs, former ministers, community-based organizations (CBOs), PRI leaders, elders, and members of the general public.
“Pham-Kho-Sowai” a popular harvesting festival of the Bugun tribe in West Kameng District, is celebrated annually on 10th September. 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 (DIPRO)
