By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU
THE first ever mini cultural show in the Yelia Local Level Government (LLG) of Marawaka in Eastern Highlands Province was organised to revive the fading culture of the local people.
The show that coincided with the Papua New Guinea’s 49th independence anniversary was celebrated two weeks ago.
One of the local organising committee members said originally during independence celebrations, the people take part in playing sports funded by politicians.
However, this time around they had to do something different by organising this show to foster unity and pride among all generations as they came together to celebrate their shared heritage.
It was a very special moment for them as more than 30 years the people had not organized or participated in a cultural show, nor had they adorned their traditional attires.
The event also provided a platform for the community to reconnect with their heritage as they wore their ancestral garments with renewed pride and honour.
This show emphasis the traditional attires it has on the rich cultural diversity within the Marawaka area.
It also showcased the intricate system of male initiations, comprising four distinct grades from adolescence to adulthood (around 35 years of age).
Each grade level is distinguished by unique insignia and attire, reflecting the wearer’s stage in life and societal role.
Similarly, the show highlighted the two-grade system for females: the first level for girls who have not yet reached puberty, and the second for those preparing for marriage.
And the focus on the tradition attire serves not only to display the beauty of the garments, but also to educate the younger generation about the significance and values embedded in these traditional clothes.
The event also drew participants from Lae, Morobe Province, including participants from Menyama district.
The participants’ commitment to the event was evident in their willingness to undertake challenging journeys.
According to the committee members, many travelled for two days on foot, navigating rugged, bumpy, and nearly inaccessible roads as they carried their traditional attires to demonstrate their dedication to take part in this historical event.
In recognising the importance of the event and also to ensure maximum participation the organizers made the show freely accessible to all with no gate fee.
This decision underscored the community-centric nature of the event and its role in cultural preservation and education; and it was a resounding success with over ten thousand participants attending.
The organising committee added that the event ignited powerful emotional responses from participants as they shed tears of joy.
Many expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm to take part again if organised in the future.
The organising committee said the event was made possible through the sponsorship of Dakoii Systems, a local Papua New Guinean software development company that specializes in programming and coding software systems.
The company has a track record of developing information systems for Non-Government Organisations and other government organisations.
As there was no financial assistance from the local MP the organising committee said the sole sponsorship by Dakoii Systems highlights the company’s commitment to cultural preservation and community development.
The organising committee further said for any future events it will be organised to ensure that the event remains dynamic, educational, and relevant thus continuing to engage the community and preserve diverse aspects of their traditions for generations to come.
Meanwhile, prizes were given to the top participants and performers.
