[ Prem Chetry ]

THRIZINO, 14 Oct: Reviving their reverence for tradition and heritage, the native youths of Sakrin village organised a cleanliness drive at the historic Hù-Gêh holy water source under Thrizino sub-division in West Kameng district on Wednesday.

According to the villagers, Hù-Gêh was once the only source of water for the village.

"Since time immemorial, our forefathers have depended on this water source, which supplied water to the entire village," the villagers said.

The water source is considered as a female deity. Though small in appearance, it has sustained the villagers for centuries and has never dried up to date.

"Our elders used to collect water from here not only for domestic purposes but also for religious rituals, considering it holy water," the villagers said.

However, the introduction of tap-water connections in the village has reduced the villagers' dependence on the ancestral water source. Moreover, the source is located nearly 200 metres uphill from the village and requires an arduous trek to reach.

Recently, villagers, mostly youths, voluntarily came forward to clean the holy water source to preserve its purity and significance.

"It is not merely a water source but also a highly revered site. Besides sustaining life and serving various household needs, it is deeply connected to our culture, traditions and history. It must be preserved and revered for posterity," the villagers added.

The villagers cleaned the water source, cleared the surrounding bushes and vegetation, and maintained the old trail connecting the source to the village.