Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Dree Festival of the Apatani tribe beginning on Saturday. Sharma in his festival message wished that the festival would usher in peace and tranquility in the society. Dree festival, which is an agricultural rite, highlights the vibrant culture and traditions of the Apatani Tribe.
“It is one of the cultural identities of the community and at the same time reinforces the splendid cultural fabric of the society,” the Governor said and appealed to the learned elders and youth to take pride in their ethnicity and customs and preserve it. Tuki while conveying his greetings hoped that the festival would cement the bonding between various tribes of the state living in bonhomie since ages. “I join my Apatani brothers and sisters on joyous occasion of Dree and pray for a prosperous year ahead with bumper harvest!” He also called upon everyone to join the festival and extend solidarity as proud Arunachalees.
“Ours is a distinct state with several tribes and communities residing side by side for ages and maintaining their own unique indigenous culture and traditions. Despite our varied diversity and religious affiliations we as Arunachalees are united and take pride in our indigenous cultural heritage. Let this Dree take our bonding a notch higher,” Tuki added in his message. (PTI)