Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2009-Transcending Boundaries

Down the memory lane by Tom Simai

As I flip through the nostalgic pages, I feel glad to tread down the memory lane and find myself striving diligently like many others to accomplish the petite and simple concept called Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) to reinstate the ‘Cultural Identity’ of the Tangsas as well to reinvent this picturesque precinct as the base for ‘Tourism Industry’. I presume, every individual involved will reckon the truth that the grueling itinerary of ‘Cultural Resurrections’ was an emotional journey mingled with pain, pride and pleasures. In fact, the year 2007 was an incredible phase of indigenous awakening and ethnic bonding, all the breathing souls of Tangsa community regardless of age, status and religion amalgamated with committed intentions to revive and celebrate the spirits of ethnicity as well to disclose the serenity of Tangsas Inhabitation. Gradually, PPWF has revolutionized the conventional mindsets and social taboos of a generation. Without any controversies, it has alighted to prove that any religion and many tribal traditions can commingle and co-exist together. As a result, the social merger of all the tribal communities without any religious differences has rejuvenated the social sentiments of unity, integrity and communal harmony, delineating the worthiness of tribal heritages.

Two remarkable years down the line, I’m in cloud nine because of the ripples the 3^rd edition of PPWF’09 is creating worldwide. The credit for this grand success goes to every members of the tribal society, the business fraternities and the Govt. Employees because they’ve toiled together to glide PPWF to the pinnacle. From a petite fete, depicting the Tangsa ethos to the colossal canvas, limning the many colorful tribes of the dawn lit mountains, the journey has been gorgeous and gratifying. Fortunately, the assiduous attitudes of the local inhabitants have coerced the utopian dreams as PPWF to transmute into pleasant reality. Now it sails upon the sea of changes, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has sponsored this to expand the perimeter of PPWF to the next level, signifying the beginning of a new era. I believe, with the fleeting years, under the aegis of Tourism Department it’ll rectify the past flaws and augment it’s horizon by transcending the unknown frontiers.

In fact, if exploited by the book the assorted aspects PPWF renders, then perhaps in the next decade it’ll change into an ample source of economic amplifications as the timely undertaking or change of guard has meliorated the vast scopes of commerce and culture. Optimistically, it is definite to influence the local economy as in the days to come; it is speculated that the economy will revolve around the several scopes created by it. Of course, the widening of commercial spheres will broaden the merry grins, demising the financial groans. “Winning starts with beginning”

Photo Feature by Arif Siddiqui

H.E. Governor of AP is accepting the welcome offered by gathering at festival ground.

H.E. Gen. (Retd.) J.J. Singh in full Tangsa Traditional attires.

PPWF is being declared open by beating the traditional Gong by H.E.

A Tangsa damsel in cheering mood.

Adi dancers performing a spectacular dance.

Dynamic war dance of Wanchos was the best attraction of the day.

Apatani dancers delighted the audience by their fascinating performance.

Lesser known Lisu (Yobin) man with his traditional guitar.

Lisu men and women were admired by every one for their musical talent and handicraft skills.

Longri youths presented a breathtaking dance sequence.

A Tibetan lady enjoying the PPWF.

Enticing Aji-Lhamu dance drew great attraction of crowds as it was never seen before in the vicinty.

The Burmese Naga tribe of Sagiang Division of Mayanmar.

Pretty Lisu girls were the point and shoot targets for all shutterbugs.

This gentleman is in awe and mesmerized by seeing such ethnic extravaganza.

Lady Governor drawing a sketch of tribal man on the "Let Peace Prevail" signature campaign.

Retd. General of Army admiring the rare collection of WWII photographs.

A decorated food stall of Tangsa's delicious foods.

Assam Rifles located in Jairampur promoted the youths' cultural and sports activities and sponsored the  marathon "Run for Peace".

Riders from Itanagar on expedition from Itafort to "Lake of No Return" added a new flavor to the PPWF 2009.

Arunachal Bullet Club thumping the historic Stilwell road on their way to "Lake of No Return"

Bikers of ABC (Arunachal Bullet Club) near mysterious lake along with Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly, Secretary Tourism, Sri Kipa Babu MLA, Itanagar and officials of Myanmar Army.

Kids from Golden Land enjoying the sail in "Lake of No Return"

On the concluding day, Tangsa beauties presented a tantalizing fashion show choreographed by Pinna and Aton.

Abhinanda Sarkar, a Bollywood singer magnetized Nampong by her rocking performance on concluding night.

The "Driving Dorce" behind the success of PPWF, Sri Setong Sena, Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly and Ms. Bandhana Deori, Secy. Tourism & UD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Find more pictures of PPWF 2009 here.

P.S. -Thanks Tom and Arif -AG