Dree fest celebrated in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, July 7 ? The Dree festival of Apatani tribe began with a two-day programme all over Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. Like previous years, the Dree festival as also centrally celebrated this year at Ziro which was graced by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi as the chief guest. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Assam, Captain Robin Bordoloi also participated in the central Dree Festival celebration as the guest of honour. This was stated in a PIB release.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Mithi said that the Apatanis have a rich cultural heritage which should be preserved at all cost. Dree festival is a major festival which is the mirror of the Apatani tribe. He appealed to the Apatani people not to quarrel among themselves for petty reasons and remain united for their very existence in the days to come.

Speaking on Panchayat election in the state, he said that Panchayat election will be held in December next.

The Dree festival is one of the popular festivals of Apatani tribe celebrated in July every year. Before 1967, the Dree festival was celebrated on different dates by the people localitywise. But from 1967 onwards, this festival is celebrated on July 5 and 6 on regular basis. The festival is also centrally celebrated at Ziro where all the Apatani people of Ziro valley participate. The significance of Dree festival revolves around the agricultural activities of the Apatani community propitiating the Dree Goddess for bumper harvests. The festival also aims at invoking the blessings of the Goddess for the welfare of the mankind and all other living beings. The festival seeks to strengthen the spirit of oneness and bond of friendship amongst all the sections of people. The festival itself is unique based on the values of human life, beliefs, mores and attitude towards individuals or groups.