Singpho people, (Known in Burma as Kachin) in India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated the 27th traditional “Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi Festival” on February 13. Guests from Burma were among the hundreds of participants.

The Manau dance is the most significant cultural event of the Kachin people, who live mainly in Burma, India and China. It is celebrated every year to acknowledge Kachin cultural heritage and to build unity among Kachins scattered around the world.

“We all come together and meet each other through this Manau dance, so this is really important for us to celebrate it,” said Bisa Lat Nawng, the Chief of Singpho people in India.

The Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi Festival was held from the 13 to the 15th, at Bordumsa, Changlang District.

The special guests in attendance included Sri Mukut Mithi, Member of Parliament (MP) Rajya Shabha, former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Sri Ninong Ering, M.P. Lokshabha, as well as Chowna Mein, Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).

Kachin people in Arunachal have had to deal with drug use among its people and threats from the local Naga armed group. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed in 1988 and lead by Khaplang, local residents said.

Organizers of the recent 63rd Kachin State Day and Manau Festival in Kachin State, Burma, were forced by the government to allow military officers to help plan the event.

In contrast, however, authorities in India allowed Kachin people to organize and manage the festival without interference.