Arunachal home minister hails Mishmi community at 56th Tamla-Dü Festival in Tezu

The 56th Central Tamla-Dü Festival of the Mishmi community concluded with grandeur and deep spiritual fervour at Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district, with Home Minister Mama Natung lauding the community for preserving its indigenous faith and honouring 446 priests for safeguarding centuries-old traditions.

The three-day celebration, held at Khoraliang in Tezu, witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Mama Natung, who also holds the portfolios of Indigenous Affairs and PHED, as the Chief Guest. Among others present were Dr. Emi Rumi, President of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), and Chow Noseng Manpang, member of the Tai Khamti Development Society.

Addressing the gathering, Natung described Tamla-Dü as “more than a festival,” calling it a profound celebration of faith, nature and ancestral heritage. He particularly commended the Mishmi community residing near the Indo-China border for steadfastly preserving their customs and spiritual practices across generations. He also paid tribute to 446 priests of the Mishmi society, recognising them as custodians of sacred, largely unscripted indigenous knowledge and moral guidance.

The festival featured vibrant cultural performances, elaborate spiritual rituals and traditional dances, reflecting the community’s reverence for Mother Nature. A major highlight was the traditional Tanggong Dance, symbolising the rhythm of ancestral wisdom and the rich cultural mosaic of Arunachal Pradesh.

During the event, homage was offered to Lord Jebmalu and Amik Matai, reinforcing the inseparable bond between spirituality, nature and community life in Mishmi belief systems. In a significant development, the permanent pandal at the Tamla-Dü festival ground in Tezu was inaugurated, strengthening infrastructure for future celebrations.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Natung assured continued institutional support to safeguard indigenous faiths and uphold the dignity of traditional religious leaders so that these cultural traditions continue to flourish with authenticity.

Tamla-Dü, celebrated annually in February, holds immense significance for the Digaru Mishmis, embodying harmony, unity and ecological reverence. Similar celebrations were also held in Hayuliang in Anjaw district, led by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, with Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao attending as a guest.