With the ceremonious reception of the priests at the gentle dawn followed by flag hoisting at numerous celebration centres across the Nyishi inhabited eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh, i.e., 1. East Kameng 2. Parts of West Kameng 3. Papum pare 4. Capital Complex 5. Lower Subansiri 6. Kurung Kumey 7. Kra Daadi and 8. Parts of West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts of Assam, the main celebration of the Nyokum Yullo’2015 ignited this morning.

In the important centres of the capital complex, the NYUB (priests) Shri Biri Tara at Nyokum Lapang, Shri Kipa Kaha as main Yullo priest & shri Tadar Takiang as secondary or Gallang Nyibu at Nyirubjolli, Shri Gollo Epo at Doimukh, Shri Tadar Tasuk at Langte-lote Nyokum, Pachin, Shri Kipa Chaking & Yura Aki at Banderdewa Nyokum Lapang and Shri Dongda Tana at Jollang celebration centres with their BU (Assistant priests) embarked into the celebration centres to propitiate NYOKUM ANNE to bless the mankind with bumper agricultural produce, productivity in human resources and animal husbandry, ward off all maladies of life like disease, death, famine and calamities. To mark the start of the main celebration - 24^th to 28^th of February, 26^th February being the date of ritual sacrifice, the Nyokum flags have been ceremoniously hoisted in all the Nyokum centres by the office bearers of the Central Nyokum Committee Celebration (CNC) - the oldest Nyishi community based organization in continuity; established in 1970 (or) by the respective the chairman (or) senior member of the celebration centres.

By established tradition, the Chairman, CNC  hoist the Nyokum flag at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar at about 8.00-9.00 am and thereafter, Nyikum Nyia ground, Nyirubjolli at about 9.00-10.00 am. However, in view of gripping traffic woes emerging in the state capital, alternative arrangement to this tradition for both the important celebration centres of the capital complex has been made and thus, the Chairman, CNC, Shri Bengia Tolum hoisted the Nyokum flag at CNC & NES, HQ at Nyikum Nyia Ground, Nyirubjolli at 10.00 am and Vice Chairperson, CNC, Smti Tadar Yadir hoisted the Nyokum flag at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar at 9.00 am.

The Chairman, CNC, Shri Bengia Tolum hoisted the Nyokum flag at Nyikum Nyia ground, Nyirubjolli - the Headquarters of Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) at 10.00 am while Smti. Tadar Yadir, Vice Chairperson, CNC hoisted the flag at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar. Due to preoccupation of the General Secretary, he deputed the Secretary (Art & Culture) CNC, Shri Bengia Tabb to hoist the Nyokum flag at Langte-lote Nyokum-2014 at Pachin colony, Naharlagun consecrated by the aborigines of Langte-lote village under Nyapin administrative circle in Kurung Kumey district, Arunachal Pradesh on the request of the delegation team of organizing committee led by its Chief Patron, Shri Kipa Babu, Chief Adviser Er. Tadar Mangku, Chairman, Shri Tadar Lilong, Organizing Secretary, Shri Tadar Toni. The committee informed that Shri Joram Beda, IAS, Secretary, Tourism & DoTCL and Er. Taba Teni, Superintending Engineer, PHED has consented to grace the main function on 26^th February as the Chief Guest & Guest of Honour respectively. At Jollang, the local committees headed by Chairman Shri Tarh Miri, Vice Chairman Shri Taba Nyiania, Organizing Secretary Shri Tarh Tagi, Assistant Secretary, Shri Kholie Tahi with chief patron Shri Tarh Tarak informed that senior IPS officer Shri Tussar Taba and Er. Joram Lali consented to grace the main programme on 26^th February 2015.

Nyirubjolli is the only highest shrine of the entire Nyishi community in the form of Nyikum Nyia hall & Nyikum Nyia ground located and called upon the local residents to be a good watch and warden of this significant place of social importance, Shri Tolum appealed. The CNC has already initiated a holistic approach in broader consultation with the social leaders of imminence on the regulatory mechanism of Nyikum Nyia hall/ground, Nyirubjolli and Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar, he informed. He further called upon one and all to enthusiastically participate the Nyokum Yullo’2015 zealously while praying the Almighty NYOKUM ANNE for fathomless benevolence and bestow all round peace, progress and prosperity. Outlining the correlation of NYOKUM –the community festival & the NYISHI - the community whose very existence and sustenance is inter-dependent on one another to which we should not be miscarried by misinformation, he cautioned. He further suggested that the mega events like the Golden Jubilee Celebrations due in 2017 at Joram and 2018 at Yazali should be conducted under the direct supervision of the Central Nyokum Committee.

Dwelling on the significance of Nyokum flag, and logo, he explained that the while colour of the Nyokum flag symbolizes purity of thought that triggers purity in deed & purity in action, cheerful and liveliness. The laces of PADDY in the Nyokum logo symbolizes fertility of man and animals, productivity and prosperity, the MEYAP (eagle tail/wing) symbolizes spirituality by which the priests attains spiritual power for performing the rituals, the circle symbolizes unfathomable, boundless and limitless universe and the background rays of sun in the logo connotes the life, light, power and strength in eternity, Shri Tolum added.

Further, he appealed the essential service departments like PHED, Power, PWD etc, to render community service in their respective fields and the local administration & police to be vigilant on the anti-social elements during the entire course of festivity.

As per telephonic inputs from Charduar in Sonitpur district of Assam - the only Nyokum Lapang located outside Arunachal Pradesh, the local committee Chairman, Shri Perung Chiri unfurled the Nyokum flag after the reception of the priest (Nyub) Shri Sotek Tachang and Shri Pate Tana amidst huge gathering led by the Vice Chairman, Shri Maheswari Narzary and Organizing Secretary, Shri Hiren Wahge.

It is worth mentioning that the administrative Headquarter of the Nyishis has been Charduar, popularly known as Balipara, from which the entire Nyishi territory of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was administered. Charduar (or) the fourth pass/gate of Hills Man (Nyishi) attack in the name of Balipara is synonymous with the local Nyishi terminology-LAL PUTA (Red Letter) i.e., Court Summon in the entire Nyishi belt during the British period. The Ahom King followed by powerful British Empire had to buy peace in the form of annual payment of POSSA to the hills man (Nyishi).

The input added that Dr. Dhrubajyoti Hazarika, ACS, Circle Officer Charduar, Shri Nityananda Gogoi, former Principal, Biswanath College and Shri Tipuram Boro, President, Sonitpur district unit, ABSU are gracing the 42^nd  Nyokum Yullo-2015, Charduar as Chief Guest, Special Guest and Guest of Honour respectively amidst host of invited dignitaries Recently, the President, NES, graced the Open Session of the 47th Annual Conference of ABSU on Sunday, 8th February 2015 at 12.00 Noon at Gwjwn Fwthar, Charduar (Balipara) Sonitpur district.

Later, after the flag hoisting ceremony, the NES - CNC executives combine led by the Vice Chairperson, CNC, Smti. Tadar Yadir and CNC Secretary General & General Secretary, NES, Shri Tarh Tabin had hectic interactions and joint inspection of Nyokum preparations with the local organizing committee at Banderdewa, Nyirubjolli, Doimukh and culminated at Nyokum Lapang in the evening. At Banderdewa, the team had an interaction with the local Nyokum Committee headed by Shri Pama Bagang, Patron,  Shri Kipa Chanang, Chairman, Shri Vice Chairman, Shri Tadar Tayum, Organizing Secretary Shri Kipa Taniang, Assistant Secretary and Shri Tai Deepak and at Doimukh headed by Shri Nabam Rebia, Chief Patron, Shri Rekhi Tana Tara, Patron, Shri Tana Bado, former ZPM as Chairman, Shri Debia Muj, Vice Chairman and Shri Yab Basu, Organizing Secretary, wherein, the Hon’ble Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Shri Rajesh Tacho is all set to grace as the Chief Guest.

The team NES-CNC also joined the colorful and massive pre-Nyokum celebrations at Rajiv Gandhi University and interacted with the local committees headed by the Chief patron, Dr. Nabam Nakha Hina, Chairman Shri Tanying Nangye and Organizing Secretary and Organizing Secretary, Shri Likha Attu.

The Central Nyokum Committee extended hearty congratulations to the Nyokum Lapang organizing committee chief patron/patrons-Shri Techi Kaso, HPS & local HMLA, madam Higio Aruni, Chief Councillor, Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) other patrons, Shri Tatar Kipa, Chairman, Vice Chairman Shri Nigler Veo, Organizing Secretary, Madam Mechi Taku  & Assistant Secretary Shri Biri Bhai wherein, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Nabam Tuki and HMLA, 38-Pasighat (East) Shri Kaling Moyong are scheduled to attend as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively, the  Organizing Committee of Nyikum Nyia Ground headed by the Chief Patron, Shri Techi Kaso, Patron, Shri Techi Tolu, ZPM, Borum-I, Chief Adviser Shri Techi Lala, Chairman, Shri Tarh Nachung and Organizing Secretary Shri Bengia Vijay informed that Shri Gojen Gadi, Hon’ble Minmister, PWD and Chairman, Hydropower, Shri Tani Loffa are gracing as the Chief Guest & Guest of Honour respectively, the Organizing Committee of  Langte-lote Nyokum at Pachin village Shri Kipa Babu, Chief Patron & Deputy Chief Councillor, Itanagar Municipal Council, Er. Tadar Mangku, Chief Adviser, Shri Tadar Lilong, Chairman & Shri Tadar Toni, Organizing Secretary and their respective celebration committee members.

The CNC also extends best wishes, congratulations and greetings to all the Organizing Committees of Nyokum Yullo-2015 celebration centres of the capital complex and Nyishi inhabited districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Sonitpur & North Lakhimpur districts of Assam in particular and those pre and post Nyokum centres across the length and breath of the country in general and all the participants who are the part of the celebration of the grandest festival of the Nyishi community.

As a part of the celebration, the inauguration of food stalls; games & sports competitions and cultural competitions have already been started from 15^th February onwards in various Nyokum celebration centres across the state.

The Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) wishes everyone a merry & joyous Nyokum Yullo-2015 and prays the Almighty ‘NYOKUM ANNE’ to bestow Her choicest blessings to mankind for all round peace, progress and prosperity!

BROAD GUIDELINES FOR CELEBRATION OF NYOKUM YULLO 2015

In pursuant to the decision of the Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) executive body meeting held at Pachin colony, Naharlagun under the chairmanship of Shri Bengia Tolum, chairman, CNC, on monday, 16.12.2013 from 17.30 Hrs, the broad guidelines for celebration of the Nyokum Yullo-the grandest festival of the Nyishi community is hereby circulated as under-

1. CNC logo: The house approved slight modification to the existing CNC logo, wherein has been decided that the name of the organization “Central Nyokum Committee” shall be inscribed conspicuously in upward semi circular band at the bottom of the logo. The modified logo shall be widely circulated and made available online.

2. Website, audio-visuals & prints: To ensure sufficient stock of flag song CDs, flags and copies of mythology in order to support and guide the local Nyokum celebration committees, efforts shall be made to make it available online on the CNC website/blog, social networking sites etc.

The Secretary (Finance) CNC shall acquire and dispose such stocks on nominal cost of inputs on the principle of ‘no profit; no loss’ basis and work in close tandem with the Assistant Secretary (Publicity). Shri Tai Gungte, Assistant Secretary (Publicity) shall design, regulate and maintain the CNC website/blog for which financial support shall be rendered by the Secretary (Finance).

3. Flag hoisting: The flag hoisting shall take place from 7.00 am to 10.30 am on 24th February after arrival of the priest, ritual sacrifice slated on 26th February and Ragha/ Gama (ceremonious farming) on 27th February and priest retreats after Ragha. Dapo (prohibition procession- restricting inward and outward movement of man & animal in the village or a place) shall be taken out on 28th February; however, Dapo is not enforceable in this modern hectic era.

The hoisting of Nyokum flag at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar and Nyikum Nyia Complex, Nyirubjolli on 24th February shall be done by the Chairman (or) Vice-Chairman (or) General Secretary, Central Nyokum Committee depending on their convenience and availability (or) any CNC executive members authorized & deputed for the purpose by them in their absence, which shall be duly communicated to the local celebration committee in advance. The chairman, CNC shall hoist the Nyokum flag wherever he attends the Nyokum celebration.

4. Other celebration modalities, & advisory note::
The celebration modalities and restrictions enunciated earlier shall continue to be in force. Some key issues has been further discussed and decided as follows-

a) Bead restriction/limitation:: The traditional beads/head shall continue to be limited to five chains.

b) Traditional attire:: All main Yullo participants (Ritual participants, Yullo Torri jobu, Gerr Geybu etc.) shall be in complete traditional attire, preferable with eri chadar (letum/Perr eji). They are exempted from five chains bead restriction. For other participants, fully or partially clad Nyishi dresses like letum/perr eji, pomo, tunam (traditional muffler), byopa, nara, uriuk, tasang, jacket etc, for gents; gale, dumping, hohi, push, tasang etc., for women folk are advisable. Children below maturity age are not recommended for wearing symbol of maturity status like, byopa, tangdung etc.

c) Limitation on animal sacrifice on rituals:: CNC discourages wanton slaughter of mithun for feast except for ritual sacrifice, taking into account the need for conservation of mithun which commands utmost relevance to the social life of the Nyishis.

d) Social taboos:: It is advisable that the constituent members of the community shall not venture into fishing, hunting and farming for atleast five days from the date of ritual sacrifice, i.e., 26th February up to 3rd March and 2nd March in leap-year.

e) Gambling:: Gambling of any kind like dice, housie, playing cards etc, shall be strictly prohibited during the peak Nyokum celebration periods from 20th to 28th February in order to keep up the sanctity of the festival in the vicinity of the celebration area. However, housie as a part of fund raising activity for the local organising committees may be allowed subject to completion of such event before 20th February.

f) Distorted presentation of rich cultural heritage ::
· It shall be the endeavour to refrain from distorted presentation of rich cultural heritage of Nyishis.
· Ensure that only Nyishi traditional dances and songs are presented in cultural events.
· In the sports events, traditional sports shall be accorded preference.
· In the Nyokum celebration centres where Nyokum is not celebrated in complete traditional aspects with rituals, the local committee shall NOT invite non-Nyishi as chief guest or other special guests so that wrong impression on the grand festival of the community is not portrayed outside.

5. Oral Nyokum education:: The house felt the need to impart education regarding the essence of Nyokum to the young generation. The CNC shall initiate steps to identify touring teams of resource persons for conducting workshops on Nyokum in schools and general grounds.

6. Observers:: The Central Nyokum Committee may depute its executive members as observers. It shall be onus on the part of the respective local committee to extend transportation, Fooding & lodging and necessary sitting arrangement in the celebration centre.

7. All religion meeting:: CNC shall convene joint meeting of all religions and religious sects of the members of Nyishi community to carry forward the need of its constituent members of different faiths to come together and contribute meaningfully in preservation of our age old rich tradition and culture in true spirit. Whatever may be the faith, profession, sex, region (or) religion, etc., but, ‘NYOKUM’ and ‘NYISHI’ is an inseparable entity and so the need to convene.

8. Expenditure on Nyokum festival celebration:: The height and grandeur of the festival shall be decided by the local celebration committee taking into account of their capacity. CNC discourages exorbitant budget and forceful donations.

9. Cap exorbitant price of food items & beverages:: The local celebration committees shall strictly regulate the price tag of food items & local beverages in the Nyokum food stalls to a reasonable and affordable ceiling and ensure festivities with limited personal budget of the individuals.

10. Ban on wild meat in food stalls:: Wild animal meat and fowl shall not be allowed in the food stalls for sanctity of the festival as well as; as a step towards preservation of fauna and flora.

The copy of this guidelines shall be circulated to all the executive members of Central Nyokum Committee (CNC), particularly to the district in-charge Secretaries for wide circulation to all the celebration centres of their respective jurisdiction for strict compliance to the broad guidelines given above.

 

/ PRESS RELEASE /

                The Central Nyokum Committee in the first ever meeting of its kind, christened; ‘Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) interface with all religion/religious denominations of the community’ had a threadbare discussion regarding celebration of Nyokum-the grandest festival of the community mainly from 24^th to 28^th February every year. The meeting was conducted in pursuance to the circular of 2^nd December 2014 at Nyikum Nyia Hall, Nyirubjolli, today, 16^th December 2014, Tuesday, from 10.00 am under the chairmanship of its chairman, Shri Bengia Tolum.

Apart from CNC executive members; Social Worker, Presidents, General Secretaries and representatives of Central Nyeder Namlo, Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA)-member representative of the community, Nyishi Baptist Church (NBCC), Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (NIFCSAP), Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (APCRCC) and Pastors represented the religions and religious denominations of the Nyishi community.

The house echoed in unison that-NYOKUM YULLO has been the unifying force of the community, especially from the on-set of the inter-village celebrations centrally since the sixties and has been the media of preservation of Nyishi Art & Culture-the very identity of being a Nyishi. In other words, NYISHI and NYOKUM is an inseparable entity and thus both must co-exist, other wise there would be a serious identity crisis, the members asserted.

After through deliberations, the following resolutions were evolved unanimously as follows:-

1.                          Jointly decided to refer to a committee of religious experts of all religions/religious denominations to be called; All Religions Interface Committee of Nyishi (ARICoN) regarding participation of some faiths in ritual performance during the Nyokum Yullo. The Presidents/General Secretaries of all religions shall nominate two members of their religious experts with past track of patriotism in community ideology.

2.                          Jointly agreed in principle that the said committee shall come out with recommendations for certain compromise in participation, so that every Nyishis’ could take part, however, without distortion to the fundamental fabric of the festival.

3.                          Jointly declared that, till then, the Nyishis’ of all religions and faith of all religious denominations shall enthusiastically take part in Nyokum Yullo with traditional pomp and show; preserve all forms of Nyishi Art & Culture and its traditions.

4.                          And jointly adopted the ‘THE BROAD GUIDELINES ON CELEBRATION OF NYOKUM YULLO’ issued vide No.CNC/SG-01/2013-16 dated 18^th December 2013 which was circulated appreciated by the participants.

With the above resolutions, the meeting ended with vote of thanks from Mrs. Tadar Yadir, Vice Chairperson, CNC followed by working lunch hosted by Er. Pai Dawe, Assistant Secretary General, Central Nyokum Committee.