Arunachal Pradesh governor extends Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi greetings

He expressed hope that the sacred occasion will usher in harmonious subsistence and socio-cultural growth of our rich tradition.

In his message, the governor said that according to Singpho mythology, the Singphos are the descendents of Shapawng Yawng, who was the sixth brother, first born on this earth and called himself as Singpho. Tingli Yawang, son of Shapwng Yawng, in order to get blessings from his father and the creator of ‘Mathum Matha,’ the world, conducted the first Manau poi as offering of prayer to Bhikan Gundan Poi, the Almighty. Later, the festival came to be known as Shapawang Yawng Manau Poi in the memory of their ancestor Shapawng Yawng. People turn up in their best and with enthusiasm add colour flavour to the festive occasion, he added.

The governor further said that Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi, with its ritualistic ceremony and dances, cultural programmes, community feasts, literary activities and interactions sessions has become a medium in preserving our heritage. Intellectual sessions, where important topics like preservation of customs, traditions and assets, social and economic development of the community are dwelled on involving eminent scholars from the State and aboard, definitely help in carrying forward the age of accent of community.

“On the propitious occasion, I pray to Shapawng Yawng to bless each one of us with peace, progress and prosperity,” Acharya said in his message.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)