Home Minister Bamang Felix inaugurated a newly constructed indigenous prayer centre in Pakke Kessang district. The event, marked by traditional rituals and community participation, aims to deepen cultural roots and revive age-old spiritual practices among the local tribes.
The prayer centre, known locally as a Nyedar Namlo, is dedicated to the spiritual and cultural practices of the Nyishi tribe—one of the largest indigenous communities in the state. It serves as a vital space for communal prayer, traditional rituals, and socio-cultural gatherings.
Reviving Indigenous Identity
Speaking at the inauguration, Home Minister Bamang Felix highlighted the urgent need to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse tribal identities. “Our culture is our strength. In the face of growing external influences, it’s our responsibility to protect our indigenous values, beliefs, and traditions,” he said. He lauded the local community for their initiative in building the prayer centre and reaffirmed the government’s support for indigenous revivalism.
He further emphasized that such centres not only safeguard religious practices but also serve as institutions for educating the youth about their roots. “When the younger generation is exposed to their heritage, it fosters pride and continuity. This prayer centre is a step toward cultural empowerment,” he added.
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Government Push for Cultural Preservation
The state government has taken several initiatives to promote indigenous culture in recent years. From including tribal dialects in school curricula to funding cultural festivals and community infrastructure, the focus has been on preserving the identity of over 25 recognized tribes and numerous sub-tribes in the region.
The newly inaugurated prayer centre was funded partially through state grants, with significant contributions from local donors and community volunteers. Its architecture reflects traditional designs, constructed using sustainable local materials. The centre includes a prayer hall, a meditation area, and a community kitchen—designed to accommodate large gatherings during religious festivals like Nyokum and Longte.
Community Participation and Unity
The inauguration witnessed the participation of tribal elders, youth leaders, and women’s groups from across Pakke Kessang. Local priest elders performed traditional rituals and chants, invoking the blessings of the ancestral spirits. Cultural performances, including folk songs and dances, were also part of the celebrations, adding vibrancy to the occasion.
Community leader Techi Takar shared his views, saying, “The opening of this prayer centre is not just about religion; it’s about reviving who we are as a people. Our children will now have a place to learn, pray, and connect with their history.”
Promoting Religious Harmony
Bamang Felix also pointed out that the establishment of indigenous prayer centres promotes religious harmony in a multicultural state like Arunachal Pradesh. “We respect all faiths, but at the same time, we must not lose our own. Indigenous belief systems are nature-based, peace-loving, and community-oriented. They teach us how to coexist with both the environment and each other,” he said.
Future Plans
Encouraged by the successful inauguration, the Home Minister hinted at expanding similar cultural initiatives across other districts. The state government is reportedly planning to establish more indigenous institutions, including cultural learning centres, tribal museums, and language preservation workshops.
Efforts are also being made to document oral traditions, tribal folklore, and ancestral knowledge, which are at risk of disappearing due to modernization and migration.
The inauguration of the indigenous prayer centre in Pakke Kessang is more than just a ceremonial event—it is a powerful affirmation of Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural pride and resilience. As the state strides toward development, its heart remains rooted in the traditions that have shaped generations.
With leaders like Bamang Felix advocating for cultural preservation and communities actively participating in the revival of their heritage, Arunachal Pradesh sets an inspiring example for indigenous empowerment in the modern era.