Poi Pee Mau Tai 2120 Festival Begins with Grandeur in Namsai

 

Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh) : Namsai witnessed a vibrant and spiritually uplifting beginning of the three days Poi Pee Mau Tai 2120 Festival, the New Year celebration of the Tai Khamti community. The inaugural program commences with processions, cultural performances and a showcase of Tai art, release of souvenirs and traditional cuisine, reflecting the dignified and timeless heritage of the Tai Khamti people.

 

In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister extended heartfelt greetings to the people and described Poi Pee Mau Tai as an agro-religious festival that celebrates renewal, peace and the rich cultural identity of the Tai Khamti community. He said that the festival is not merely a New Year event, but it marks the beginning of socio-cultural activities after the harvest season and unite the Tai communities under a single umbrella.

 

Deputy Chief Minister shared that Poi Pee Mau Tai transforms the entire district every year. Pagodas glow with lamps, monks chant prayers for all sentient beings, and villages overflow with traditional music, folk dances, sports, food and cultural exhibitions. He stated that this festival captures the essence of Tai culture by blending devotion with celebration. The rituals, from offering prayers to traditional food preparation, reflect centuries of wisdom and showcase the beauty of Tai Khamti traditions.

 

He also highlighted that seventy-eight villages have sent their youth to take part in performances, literary events, exhibitions and cultural competitions. He appreciated their dedication and said that such festivals give the younger generation confidence in their identity, reminding them that culture is a living treasure to be protected and carried forward.

 

Deputy Chief Minister Mein placed special emphasis on the presence of the Assam delegation, particularly Minister Pijush Hazarika and MLA Bolin Chetia. He expressed deep appreciation and said that their participation reflects the deep bonds between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Their presence gave strength and encouragement to the Tai Khamti community and enriched the celebration with warmth and solidarity.

 

He said, “Assam has always been our close and trusted neighbour, and their participation stands as a symbol of friendship and cooperation. Our cultural ties are ancient and our relations are built on trust. Together, we can take the North East to greater heights and create a future filled with peace and progress.”

 

He also acknowledged the Tai Phake and other Tai communities living across both states who act as cultural bridges and preserve the shared heritage of the region.

 

Deputy CM Mein also highlighted the growing international attention on Tai festivals. The successful International Sangken and International Kathina Civara Dana held recently attracted foreign guests and strengthened cultural diplomacy. He stated that Poi Pee Mau Tai offers visitors a gateway into the beauty of Namsai, known as the Land of the Golden Pagodas, with its monasteries, traditional villages, serene rivers and spiritual ambience.

 

He also reaffirmed his commitment to transform Namsai into one of the cleanliest district and to work towards rejuvenating the river system through ‘Nadi Utsav’.

 

In his address, Minister of Assam, Pijush Hazarika, who attended the festival as the chief guest said, “Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have always shared a bond of brotherhood, and together we must take both our states forward.”

 

He described Namsai as a picturesque place endowed with immense tourism potential. Noting that the people of Namsai, who are predominantly followers of Buddhism, continue to spread Lord Buddha’s message of peace, and he expressed gratitude for being invited to the festival.

 

Speaking about the longstanding harmony between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Minister Hazarika said that just as brothers sometimes differ over land boundaries, the two neighbouring states too have had boundary-related issues. However, due to the sincere efforts and goodwill of the Chief Ministers of both states — Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shri Pema Khandu — the boundary issue has now been largely resolved. He further emphasised that for mutual progress, both states must continue to move forward together.

 

Highlighting the cultural unity of the Northeast, the Minister noted that almost all communities of the region are connected through deep bonds of harmony. He added that the Northeast’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is a matter of pride for the entire nation. Reaffirming the long-standing brotherhood between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, he said that the relationship existed in the past, continues today, and will remain strong in the days to come.

 

The inaugural day of the festival was marked with display of Tai Khamti traditional dances, release of festival souvenir, inauguration of exhibition stalls of traditional crafts and cuisine and community feast.