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On the occasion, Tai Khamti and Tai Phake fonts were also released by DCM Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Planning Namchoom besides releasing the Tai Khamti calendar published in memory of His Holiness Late Ven Silabangsa Mahathero (the Rajguru of Chongkham Buddha Vihara) and others like Tai alphabet chart ‘Kho Lin Tai”, wooden carve Tai Khamti baby dolls “Mao Hikta & Ye-Sawah” and releasing the video of visit of TKHLS to Khamtilong and video of celebration of Poi Pee Mau festival at Tamu.
While lauding the efforts of TKHLS for carrying the translation and publication works, Mein said that language and literature is an integral part of one’s identity; if we lose our language and literature we lose a big part of ourselves. The effort of the entire team of TKHLS to document the Tai Khamti language and literature is commendable, he added.
“I believe that Tai Khamti language Primer-I will not only help in promoting and preserving the language and literature but will also help to sensitize and familiarize the younger generation with their mother tongue”, Mein said.
Mein said that it is a matter of serious concern for our society that we are rapidly losing our language and literature. There is declining trend among the younger generation not to speak their mother tongue which is gradually leading to the slow death of our language and literature.
Arunachal University of Studies, Professor Venerable Pragyasila Bhikkhu while highlighting the importance of celebration of Mai Ko Sum Fai festival said that it is a ritual ceremony held on the full moon day of Magha connected with the offering of fire. On this auspicious occasion a stupa like shape structure is made up with stack of fire wood. The entire stack of fire wood is then offered to the Buddha. A feast is organized and the stack is set into fire early in the morning.
He said that the Khamtis celebrate many festivals and rituals which are connected with the events associated with Buddhism. Rites and rituals are performed with Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha Vandana, Khamapana, taking refuge in Trisarana and observance of Sila. At the end of every ritual Metta Bhavana Gatha is recited for well being of all sentinels.
He also offered prayer for well being of all.
Earlier, the dignitaries offered prayer at Kongmu Kham and later relished the mouth watering local cuisine locally known as Khao Ya Ku/Khao Nam Pa, khao-laam prepared specially on this occasion.