The Tai Khamti community of Arunachal Pradesh came together at the Nalung Festival Ground in Namsai on 1st December 2024 to celebrate Poi Pee Mau Tai 2119. This festival is celebrated to usher in their New Year with magnificence, cultural pride, and a vision for tomorrow.
Organized under the patronage of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, the celebration embodied the theme "Rediscovering the Tai Ethnicity" and highlighted the rich traditions and aspirations of the Tai Khamti people.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Mein applauded the youth of Namsai for their creativity and dedication in organizing the event. He stressed the significance of such cultural celebrations in preserving heritage while inspiring the younger generation.
“It fills my heart with pride to celebrate this day with our enthusiastic youth,” Mein said. “Their passion and creativity remind us of the huge potential of Arunachal Pradesh. They are not only conserving our customs but also shaping a future filled with promise and pride.”
Mein also emphasized his vision for Namsai as an aspirational district, focusing on sustainable development, tourism, and fighting societal issues like drug abuse. He pointed to forthcoming cultural festivals like the Sangken Festival and Arunachal Rang Mahotsav as opportunities to promote the state's rich cultural heritage.
Education, Tourism, and RWD Minister P.D. Sona, attending as the Chief Guest, highlighted the government’s promise to the youth as part of its "Year of the Youth" initiative.
“Our youth are the guardians of Arunachal’s identity and the architects of its future,” said Sona. “The government is dedicated to creating opportunities that enable them to lead with conviction and pride while ensuring our traditions remain integral to our progress.”
Guest of Honour Bolin Chetia, MLA of Sadiya Assembly Constituency in Assam, emphasized the festival’s role in boosting relations between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He lauded the Deputy Chief Minister’s efforts in improving road connectivity and infrastructure, which have boosted tourism in the region.
“Poi Pee Mau Tai is a celebration of heritage and aspiration,” Chetia stated. “It signifies the collective spirit of the people in this region, and together we must ensure that these traditions flourish on a global stage.”
The occasion featured several noteworthy highlights, including the release of the book "Folk Life & Folk Customs of the Tai Khamti Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh" by Dr. Kiron C. Borah, Principal of Mahabhodi College, Namsai. The book seeks to document and preserve Tai Khamti traditions for future generations.
Another highlight was the unveiling of the Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025 logo and T-shirt, an effort to promote tourism and cultural awareness in the region. The celebration also included traditional dances, culinary affairs, and exhibitions that celebrated the Tai Khamti way of life, creating a deep sense of cultural pride among attendees.
The festival drew prominent attendees, including Advisor for Education & Home Mutchu Mithi, Advisor for Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mohesh Chai, MLA for Raga Rotom Tebin, and MLA for Namsai Chau Zingnu Namchoom, who served as the festival’s Patron.
As Poi Pee Mau Tai 2024 concluded, it left behind a strong message of unity, heritage, and hope. The Tai Khamti community’s ability to combine tradition with contemporary aspirations stood as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. (PR)