Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended greetings to the people of the state, especially the Tagin community, on the auspicious occasion of the Si-Donyi festival.
Taking to the microblogging site X, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “As we celebrate the vibrant festival of Si Donyi, let us honour the harmony between humanity and nature.”
As we celebrate the vibrant festival of Si Donyi, let us honour the harmony between humanity and nature.
This iconic festival reflects the deep cultural heritage so religiously preserved by the Tagin Tribe and the spiritual unity of our state, symbolizing peace and well-being… pic.twitter.com/sc5oQHPpFG
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) January 6, 2025
“This iconic festival reflects the deep cultural heritage so religiously preserved by the Tagin Tribe and the spiritual unity of our state, symbolizing peace and well-being for all,” Khandu said.
He further said, “Let us live, thrive, and smile in harmony with nature and the spirit of inclusivity. May the divine energies of Si Donyi guide us toward a future filled with joy, prosperity, peace, and togetherness.”
Si-Donyi is the major festival celebrated among the Tagin tribe residing in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is celebrated annually in the month of January, which marks the beginning of the New Year.
During the festival, god Si (Atu Si-male spiritual form of earth) and goddess Donyi (Ayu Donyi-female spiritual form of Sun) are worshipped in their spiritual form.
Nibu or the local priest presides over the festival by chanting UI (a form of verbal prayers) to the deities, Si and Donyi in particular.
The purpose of the festival is to invoke blessings for the community’s prosperity, to avert the destructive influence of malevolent spirits, and to seek divine permission for abundant harvests and the well-being of all members.
During Si-Donyi festival, one can witness a mesmerizing display of Tagin art and culture as people from all walks of life converge in colorful traditional attire to pay homage to AtuSii and AyuDonyi, the omnipotent and all-pervading creators of the Universe.
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Many traditional folk dances like Konyi Bokar, Hoyi Penam as well as rhythmic dances such as Chungne, Riabu and Takar Ghene are performed throughout the festival.
