First-Ever Three-Day Pre-Solung Festival Celebration 2024 Kicks Off in Rayang
Ipak Diyum
Ruksin, August 26: The first-ever Pre-Solung Festival Celebration 2024 kicked off yesterday at Rayang village, in Ruksin, East Siang district. The event was graced by Chief Guest Er. Oling Taloh, Executive Engineer of PHED, while Sri Omir Tatin, Block Resource Coordinator (BRS), attended as the Guest of Honour accompanied by ZPM of Ledum Bilat and Ruksin. A vibrant cultural display was showcased with performances by students from Rayang KGBV and local dance groups. As a token of appreciation, the organizing committee presented mementos to the dignitaries.
The Chief Advisor of the organizing committee, Sri Tamat Saroh, recited the mythology of the Solung Festival. He explained that Solung is a socio-cultural festival deeply rooted in the creation of the universe and the evolution of life. Celebrated by the Adi tribes since ancient times, the festival is preserved through oral literature. According to Aabang narration, the Solung Festival has three parts: the first night called Limir Libom Aabang, the second part, Binnyat Aabang, and the third stage, Taktor Aabang. Each stage is meant to promote the well-being of all living beings, praying for good health, a bountiful harvest, and protection from evil spirits.
Sri Kangam Gao, Chairman of the organizing committee, welcomed the community and encouraged everyone to participate and make the festival a grand success. Chief Patron Sri Tatin Taying praised the youth of Rayang for recognizing the importance of preserving their culture. He also urged them to exercise caution as the region is a border area where even minor incidents could escalate quickly.
Guest of Honour, Sri Omir Tatin, stressed the importance of preserving traditional customs and culture in the face of modernization, particularly the Solung Festival’s folklore and rituals. He urged the organizing committee to distribute mythology pumplet to the younger generation to foster awareness of the festival's origins.
Chief Guest Er. Oling Taloh expressed his gratitude for being invited to such a significant event. He emphasized the importance of the Solung Festival as an identity marker for the Adi tribe and warned that neglecting it could endanger the tribe's cultural heritage. He highlighted the potential economic and tourism benefits of the festival, envisioning Rayang as a future tourist hub. In his closing remarks, he advised the youth to focus on hard work and dedication, both in their personal and professional lives. He concluded by praying for prosperity and success for the entire community.
