GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH   
                       OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PRINTING
                                                                                   NAHARLAGUN

                                                                                  PRESS RELEASE

NAHARLAGUN,  April 15: Longte Yullo of the Niyshi was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour here at Chimpu village, Itanagar. The Longte Yullo, one of the oldest festivals of the Niyshis is a harbinger of new season after which begins sowing of  seeds on cultivated fields. This festival also commemorates  the separation of  human being from evil forces by a barricade that took place from time immemorial, said the chairman of the Longte Yullo celebration committee and also ex-MLA Shri Lokam Tado. The unique feature of the Longte Yullo festival is non existence of any priest for ritual chanting as there  is no ritual sacrifice. However an alter decorated with white feather of  domestic fowl and bamboo decorated  flowers etc on  top is erected by the villagers to mark the occasion. This Longte Yullo festival  celebrated by the Dodum  clans of the Niyshis settled in upper belt - including Chayang Tajo, Koloriang, Huri, Sarli, Damin,    Parsiparlo etc will be celebrated in a grand manner in the state capital in near future. Shri Tado assured the mammoth gathering. Chief guest, Shri Supriyo Deb, Director IPR&P, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh who attended the Longte Yullo for the first time was impressed with the significance of the festival and said the festival  resembles with any other new year festivals like Bihu, Naba Barsha, Vaisaki, Pongal etc. celebrated in many parts of  India in the same month and week. He also called upon the mammoth gathering to continue to practise and preserve their rich cultural heritage. Guest of honour Shri Pani Taram, Assistant Director Fisheries said  that their should not be  caste or religious distinction in participating the Longte Yullo festival. The other highlights of the day included dances, games and sports, community feast etc. The festival will be celebrated for  5 days at a stretch, reports DIPR.

(Tajuk Charu)
Deputy Director