Arunachal Pradesh resonated with joy and tradition as Chief Minister Pema Khandu along with Ladakh Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal participated in the vibrant Sangken Water Festival at the Golden Pagoda of Namsai. The presence of Tapir Gao, MP for Arunachal East, and Deputy CM Chowna Mein added fervor to the festivities.
The annual three-day Sangken Water Festival commenced across Arunachal Pradesh, heralding the traditional Buddhist New Year amidst a jubilant atmosphere. This cultural extravaganza, celebrated by the Tai Khamti, Singpho, and Tangsa communities, exemplifies goodwill, love, and compassion, utilizing water as a symbol of expression.
Central to the festivities is the ritual of pouring water on each other, symbolizing the cleansing of bad luck and the commencement of the New Year on a fresh note. Dressed in their finest traditional attire, people congregated at Buddha Viharas across villages to pay homage to Lord Buddha and engage in the customary water pouring ceremony.
The significance of Sangken extends beyond Arunachal Pradesh's borders, with celebrations taking place in sacred locations like the Golden Pagoda, Tengapani, Namsai, Chongkham, Empong, and Phaneng. Additionally, devotees from Namsai district journey to Buddha Viharas in Kalioni, Assam, underscoring the festival's spiritual significance.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Chowna Mein conveyed his heartfelt wishes for Sangken, invoking blessings of happiness, prosperity, and good health from Lord Buddha. He stated the symbolic purification brought by the blessed water (Nam Metta), envisioning a collective washing away of sorrows and pains.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Tai Khamti, Singpho, and Tangsa (Tikhak) Heritage & Literary Society (TKHLS) in promoting a clean and safe Sangken, Mein commended their endeavors in raising awareness among villages and youth.