Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], December 6 (HBTV): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd) participated in the closing ceremony of the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024, an International Theatre Festival, at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar, on Thursday.

The fortnight-long cultural festival, which began on November 22, showcased a variety of national and international performing arts.

Addressing the audience, the Governor highlighted theatre as the "soul" of the country, state, and its people, describing it as an impactful medium for communicating social messages. He underscored the ancient Indian tradition of Rangmanch as a mirror of society, reflecting its richness, challenges, and aspirations.

The Governor suggested extending theatre activities to districts and villages to preserve Arunachal Pradesh's cultural heritage. He remarked that Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024 would be remembered as the largest and longest theatre festival in Northeast India and the state's first international theatre festival.

With over 33 performances from across the globe and India, each production offered unique narratives and perspectives, demonstrating theatre's power to connect hearts, transcend borders, and celebrate shared human experiences. The festival also featured seven parallel events, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, providing audiences with a broader cultural experience.

The Governor commended Roots Art and Cultural Trust, the participating artists, organizers, and volunteers for their efforts. He lauded the festival's theme, Route to Roots, which emphasized staying connected to cultural origins while embracing global diversity.

‘The festival has highlighted the beauty of diversity and the strength of unity,’ he said, urging Arunachal Pradesh's people to preserve and promote their rich heritage to ensure its vibrancy for future generations.

The Governor called for making Arunachal Rang Mahotsav an enduring tradition, bridging the gap between local and global cultures as well as traditional and contemporary art forms.

The event was attended by Speaker Tesam Pongte, renowned theatre director Dr. Anuradha Kapur, and Festival Director Riken Ngomle, who also directed the play Tani La Tanyo, based on a traditional folktale of Arunachal Pradesh, which was performed during the ceremony.

The festival served as a platform for global cultural exchange, featuring local productions that brought Arunachal's rich folklore to life, Indian performances showcasing the nation's creative energy, and international acts that added a diverse and celebratory flavor.

Workshops, exhibitions, and seminars also enabled global artists to share their insights and stories, enriching the event further.   

(ANI)