Arunachal: International Maha Sangken Festival Begins at Golden Pagoda

ITANAGAR: The eagerly-awaited International Maha Sangken Festival started in a grand manner on Monday at the peaceful and pious Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.

The colourful three-day gala, steeped in Buddhist religion and Tai-Khamti tradition, attracted thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and officials—international guests among them—to join the celebrations.

The festival began with a series of religious rituals and vibrant cultural performances. The most spiritually meaningful event of the day was the symbolic "Descent of Lord Buddha to Earth at dawn," which took place at the same time at the Golden Pagoda and Parayatti Sasana Vihara.

This ritual, conducted by Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, inaugurated the sacred celebrations with utmost reverence.

A serene procession from the Entry Gate to the Festival Stage ensued, establishing a celebratory and devotional atmosphere for the events of the day. Deputy Chief Minister Mein offered his warm Sangken greetings, reiterating the spiritual significance of the festival.

"We think that during Sangken, Lord Buddha comes down to Earth, and to celebrate this holy moment, we bring the idol down from the Vihara and bathe it with pure water as an expression of devotion," he stated.

A classic and heartwarming ritual—the ceremonial washing of the monks' (Gurus') feet—was also done, symbolizing humility, respect, and seeking blessings. Families throughout the region also practiced the traditional evening washing of elders' feet, a warm gesture of respect, gratitude, and love.

Mya elaborated further on the symbolism of the festival: "This is not simply a religious festival, but one of spring—a time of rejuvenation. Showering each other with water at Sangken means washing away the sins and welcoming good health, wealth, and prosperity."

Ethereal cultural performances by Thai cultural troupes infused an international twist into the celebrations, thrilling the crowds with their elegance and dynamism. The Tai-Khamti community brought their cultural vibrancy to the event through the classical Sangken cum Maha Sangken dance, tastefully portraying the ethos and heritage of their people.

Emphasizing the larger cultural and economic vision for the festival, Chowna Mein highlighted its tourism potential. "The International Maha Sangken Festival is not just a religious celebration but also an opportunity to promote our rich heritage across the globe. With growing interest from tourists and travel operators, we have made up our minds to declare Maha Sangken as an annual event at the Golden Pagoda to generate tourism in Arunachal Pradesh."

The function saw the attendance of several dignitaries such as Minister for PRI and RD Ojing Tasing, Minister of WCD Dasanglu Pul, MLAs Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Oken Tayeng, Puinnyo Apum, Oni Panyang, and Tapi Darang, and DCs of Namsai and Tezu, respected Bhantes, and excited citizens.

Adding an international twist to the festivities, Italy's Ambassador to India, Antonio Enrico Bartoli, his daughter Sofia Bartoli, and Kapil Kumria from the ambassador's team also participated in Tuesday's festivities, further highlighting the global popularity of the festival.

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