Assam: DHAC launches initiative to preserve Dimasa traditions, promote rural development
Haflong: The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) has launched 'Dara Disa Hamdaone Riphain', a new initiative aimed at preserving Dimasa cultural traditions while promoting cleanliness and rural development across more than 300 Dimasa villages in the district.
The scheme, launched on Sunday by the Cultural Affairs Department of the council, began with Autonomous Council members and designated officials visiting villages to inspect local conditions and assess implementation.
Under the programme, villages will organise weekly traditional Dimasa dance practices involving local youth, storytelling sessions to preserve oral history and legends, and activities such as handicraft making to promote the community's cultural heritage.
The initiative will cover more than 300 Dimasa villages, with activities to be held on weekends at village Baikho dance halls. Council members and officials will visit each village twice a month to monitor progress, and the best-performing village will be recognised with an award.
Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa said the scheme seeks to encourage indigenous customs, traditional attire and the Dimasa way of life.
He said the village visits would also provide an opportunity for officials to interact directly with residents, identify local issues and assess village performance in a manner similar to the state's Gunotsav evaluation programme.