We invite you to kindly join us with your family in the Mopin Festival celebration, Itanagar-2021

In the beginning of Human life on Earth, Abo Tanii, the first man on earth, was alone without any company and was facing a lot of hardships. A fortune came to him during this period. Taji-Taro, an ancient family, organized a Mithun sacrifice ceremony of ten Mithuns ( Dorrww Toguu Panam) during marriage in which almost all the living beings were invited as guests and Abo Tanii was one of them. Abo Tani had a jealousy on Taji-Taro and played a stratagem and snatched away all the Mithuns of Taji-Taro. KIIPUU ( Abo-Tanii’s dog) and DUMPUU (Mopin’s Deer) were also invited guests of the ceremony. As no meat was left, Kiipuu and Dumpuu were offered a bucket of rotten beans (Agyaa Pua). Kiipuu and Dumpuu started quarrelling for share and Dumpuu spilt the bucket of rotten beans and ran away. Kiipuu ran after Dumpuu and Abo-Tanii followed Kiipuu and lastly they reached Mopin’s place called Dwgo-Buko/Dwgo Yamo.

The Mopin imprisoned both Abo-Tanii and his dog-Kiipuu.

Abo-Tani began to plan to get released from Mopin. He caught a rat and killed and put it under his armpit and pretended to be seriously ill. After a few days, rotten smell emitted from Abo-Tanii’s body. The Mopin was afraid of Abo-Tanii’s death in her place. She repented and felt sorry for Abo-Tanii and had pity on him. As a result, Mopin decided to release Abo-Tanii with boons. As boons, Mopin’s own daughter Dwyww-Taamw was married to Abo-Tanii and seeds of all food grains and agricultural equipments were presented to him and advised Abo-Tanii to start cultivation. The seeds were carried in the pouch of the dog’s ears and they reached TANI-MOMEN (The Earth). Then after, Abo-Tanii started cultivation.

While presenting her daughter and all boons, Mopin advised Abo-Tanii to invite her once in a year, especially just before cultivation starts with sacrifices and to greet her with Wtww (rice powder/paste) , Takee (ginger) and Opoo (Rice Beer). Further, Mopin promised to shower blessings on all human beings for their good health, bumper cropping and prosperity.

Accordingly, the Galo people being the descendents of Abo-Tani, celebrate this Mopin Festival every year in the month of April and through Xibu (Priest), pray for Mopin’s blessings and greet each other by smearing Wtww on the forehead and offer Opoo, Wtww and Takee, as advised by the Mopin.