On the first day of the traditional Dapl festival in Pagam, a vibrant and lively atmosphere fills the air as residents and visitors gather to celebrate. Pagam, a small town located in the beautiful countryside of a Southeast Asian country, is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community spirit. The Dapl festival holds significant importance in the town, as it is an occasion to pay homage to the local deity and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. As dawn breaks on the first day of the festival, the sound of traditional music fills the streets, signaling the beginning of a day full of festivities. Colorful decorations adorn the town square, with vibrant banners and ribbons creating a visually stunning backdrop. The aroma of street food wafts through the air, tempting all who pass by to indulge in the delectable culinary treats that Pagam is renowned for.
Protesters, led by the Standing Rock Sioux, have strongly objected to the construction of the pipeline since April 2016, saying that its route under the Missouri River poses a threat to drinking water.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration PHMSA has reported more than 3,300 incidents of leaks and ruptures at oil and gas pipelines since 2010. The pipeline has united a number of different interest groups with a variety of objections, but Native Americans have been at the center of the opposition.
The aroma of street food wafts through the air, tempting all who pass by to indulge in the delectable culinary treats that Pagam is renowned for. The highlight of the first day is the religious procession that takes place in the morning. Locals dressed in traditional attire gather at the town's temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Dakota Access Pipeline in operation after months of resistance
The controversial Dakota Access Pipeline began shipping oil Thursday after months of protests by nearly 300 tribes created a national movement and drew international attention.
The 1,172-mile pipeline is expected to carry 520,000 tons of oil daily from North Dakota to Illinois via South Dakota and Iowa, according to Energy Transfer Partners, the company that developed the pipeline.
Protesters, led by the Standing Rock Sioux, have strongly objected to the construction of the pipeline since April 2016, saying that its route under the Missouri River poses a threat to drinking water.
The Missouri River is the primary source of water for the 10,000 members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, and millions of people, including 29 Native American tribes, live in the Missouri River Basin, an area that crosses 10 states and more than 2,500 square miles in southern Canada.
The pipeline was originally planned to operate in Bismarck, North Dakota, but that plan was eliminated after an analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers showed that route would have crossed more roads, wetlands and what federal pipeline regulators call a “high consequence area,” where a spill would bring significant consequences for the local population, according to the Bismarck Tribune.
The Standing Rock Sioux stood against the project, saying the pipeline would desecrate ancestral burial grounds and that they had not been adequately consulted. Between April and December 2016, the protest grew to include hundreds of other tribes and people from around the world who came to the Standing Rock Reservation.
The $3.8 billion pipeline has already leaked three times this year, according to the Associated Press. Two leaks occurred in March: 84 gallons on March 3 and 20 gallons on March 5 in North Dakota. The last leak happened in early April spilling 84 gallons in South Dakota.
None of these were deemed as significant oil spills by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration as they were all less than 5 barrels or 210 gallons.
“This spill serves as a reminder that it is not a matter of if a pipeline spills, it’s a matter of when a pipeline spills,” Dallas Goldtooth, the Indigenous Environmental Network campaign organizer, said after the April spill.
A fire burns in main opposition camp against the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, on Feb. 22, 2017. Photo by Terray Sylvester/Reuters
In February, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the final easement for the pipeline’s construction, and in March, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit refused to issue an emergency order to stop pipeline operations. But the Standing Rock Sioux tribe has said it will continue its fight.
“We will continue to battle the operation of this pipeline in court and remind everyone that just because the oil is flowing now doesn’t mean that it can’t be stopped,” Standing Rock Sioux Chairman, Dave Archambault II said in a statement Thursday when the pipeline began service.
The Indigenous Environmental network, a nonprofit against the pipeline, also issued its support in a statement Thursday. “The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s water supply is officially at risk with the pipeline being fully operational,” the statement said. “Many other Native and non-Native allies will continue to stand with Standing Rock and continue to organize to ensure Energy Transfer Partners is held accountable for the human rights crimes they have committed, not just against Standing Rock but the many other Native nations along its path.”
Corinne Segal contributed reporting.
The town's spiritual leader leads the procession, carrying an intricately decorated palanquin that holds a sacred relic. The streets come alive with the sounds of chanting and the rhythmic beats of drums, creating a mesmerizing ambiance as the procession weaves its way through the town. Throughout the day, various cultural performances and activities take place to entertain and engage the attendees. Traditional dance troupes showcase their skills, captivating the audience with their graceful movements and colorful costumes. Local artisans set up stalls to display their handmade crafts, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of Pagam. Visitors can also participate in games and competitions, adding an element of excitement and friendly competition to the festivities. As the sun sets, the town square transforms into a lively marketplace, where vendors display a wide array of goods and merchandise. Locals and tourists alike stroll through the bustling marketplace, browsing through the stalls and haggling for the best deals. The aroma of spices, the sound of laughter, and the vivid colors create a sensory overload that immerses everyone in the vibrant atmosphere of Pagam's first day of Dapl. The first day of Dapl in Pagam is a celebration of traditions, community, and spirituality. It is a time for people to come together, reconnect with their roots, and honor their cultural heritage. The festivities continue for several more days, each day bringing its unique charm and offerings. As the town prepares for the upcoming days of the festival, excitement and anticipation fill the air, promising more memorable moments and experiences to come..
Reviews for "The Significance of Dance and Music in the Pagam First Day of Dapl"
- Sandra - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "Pagam first day of dapl" based on the trailer and the reviews I had read. However, I was quickly disappointed. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The acting was also subpar, with many scenes feeling forced and unrealistic. Overall, I found "Pagam first day of dapl" to be a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
- John - 2 stars - "Pagam first day of dapl" had a lot of potential, but it fell flat for me. The script was weak and underdeveloped, leaving many unanswered questions. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily while others felt rushed. Additionally, the sound design and editing were sloppy, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the film. Overall, I was disappointed with "Pagam first day of dapl" and wouldn't watch it again.
- Emily - 1 star - I really struggled to connect with "Pagam first day of dapl". The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their journey. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which further hindered my enjoyment of the film. Additionally, the cinematography was uninspiring and failed to capture the essence of the story. Overall, "Pagam first day of dapl" fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.