GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday declared open the fifth edition of Tawang festival at the frontier monastery town close to India-China border at the general ground in presence of North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary Ram Muivah, RWD Parliamentary Secretary Jambey Tashi, Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi and Tourism Secretary Dr Joram Beda.
School children released hundreds of balloons in air to mark the beginning of the 4-day festivity. Khandu inaugurated the exhibition stalls where products and materials from various government departments, NGOs and local community bodies were showcased.
The stalls have products from horticulture, agriculture, forest and textile departments. Local organisations also displayed their traditional hand looms, traditional paper making technique and local ornaments. The festival also has food stalls from different communities of Arunachal selling tribal delicacies.
North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary, Ram Muivah who was also present on the occasion inaugurated the traditional games and sports competition. The competition will be held on local archery, weightlifting, shotput, tug of war, Thepi, Glangnyuri and Lei.
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister attended the street carnival show held at old market. The street show will be held for three days. On the first day, Yak dance from different villages of Khirmu, Mukto, Gyankhar, Bomdir, Gonkhar etc. were displayed.
The first day of the evening cultural show will have special presentation from international artists Tenzin Kunsel and Ani Choying Droma. The show will also have cultural presentation from Adi, Nyishi and Monpa tribe. Artists from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts will also be presenting their cultural dances.