Barak festival concludes

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, December 15, 2019: The 2nd State Level Barak Festival-2019 concluded on Saturday at Barak hall, Mini Stadium in Senapati district headquarters.

The festival which was celebrated on the theme- “Confluence of Cultures” highlighted the fact that different cultures comes together in building a civilization like the confluence of various streams and rivulets forming the beautiful and mighty Barak.

Besides cultural shows, beauty contest, dance and song competition were held during the three days annual festival which was started on December 12.

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said Barak Festival reminds the importance of river system in human existence. Observing such festival give us not only the joy and happiness but also remind us how we enjoy the invaluable natural resources like water, he added.

Acknowledging the importance of conserving Barak river, state government has been trying to encourage this festival to make aware of the importance of river in our living, the minister said.

Appealing the people to conserve Barak river, Joykumar said catchment areas of the river should be protected by avoiding deforestation to enable the river system a perennial one. This festival also gives us a chance to showcase the rich cultural heritage and aged old traditions to the world, he added.

Tribal affairs and hills minister N. Kayisii said although the annual festival started few years back, it is becoming more important as it gives us a strong message to make aware of the importance of Barak river.

He said organising this festival will also give us a chance to showcase the rich cultural values and aged old Naga traditions.

Expressing concern over the influence of western culture to the society, the minister said this festival reminds the importance of preserving the rich cultural and traditional values. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve our culture and tradition and to follow the footnotes of our forefathers, he added.