Siang River Fest from Dec 10

Itanagar, Oct 11: Come December and the entire Siang Valley comprising Upper, East and West Siang districts will be agog with festive mood as the mega Siang River Festival would be celebrated for the second time from December 10.

Starting from Tuting in Upper Siang district, there would be events at Yingkiong, Panging, Boleng and culminate at Pasighat in East Siang district.

The decision to organize the annual tourism event was taken at a high level meeting here yesterday chaired by Chief Minister Gegong Apang, informed official sources here today.

The Chief Minister directed the officials concerned to hold it in the same calendar dates so as to maintain its significance as an annual event. He also urged upon them to ensure presentation of rich cultural heritage of the people of the state during the festival.

The first Siang River Festival was organized in the same district and same date last year, which was graced by Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing the meeting, tourism secretary Y D Thongchi said the union tourism ministry had enhanced the amount for destination development to Rs 25 crore and circuit development to Rs 50 crore to boost tourism in the state.

UNI