Lengvei held after 4 decades at Teinem village
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2013:
After a gap of four decades, the district level Lengvei (Otrei) Kaphung was held officially on Nov 9 at Teinem Village, Waiham Junction under the aegis of Journeys for Change (JFC) with the theme, "Retrospection of our Unique Cultural Heritage" .
The event was graced by Teinem Headman WS Ngamchuipei and Secretary Wungnaoyo.
The headman applauded the JFC for the various activities being taken up and the effort to preserve the cultural uniqueness in particular.
Representatives of various organisations, NGOs, like TKS, UDHQAU/TSL took part in the historical event.
"Many cultures, Traditions enrich our lives, beautiful and rich cultural Lengvei deserves to be preserved for future generation to come.
Without cultures Tangkhul is as good as an extinct, erased from the surface, blotted out and existing without dignity or recognition" said the TSL, TMNL and TKS.
Marshall Shongjanwo Shimrayy, members of JFC said, "Our culture, tradition are subject to change as they are passed down through the generations but culture, traditions, folk tales, histories should be preserved as a ink to our past, as a pointer to our future, such preservation is never a waste" .
Lengvei (Otrei) has been held usually at the end of harvest season and before the commencement of Lengvei the villager prepared various food items including Rice Beer followed by offering food to God.
As a prelude to Lengvei, cultural dance and games were performed by the women.
The JFC president SW Wungnaoshung thanked the host village for their hospitality, active cooperation; the participants for their willingness to support.
The president went on to state that JFC is an unaided forum to acquire intellectual empowerment through exchange of idea for the betterment of self and society.
It has endeavoured activities to promote social awareness and participation, focusing in dignity of labour etc.
He also expressed sincere thanks to district administrator (DC) Shailesh Kumar Chaurashia and YS Praising for their contributions towards the success of the event.
Chuimeichui W Shimray (Machuinao) s/o Rakhalem W Shimray (28) of Teinem village (carrying 27 tins/ 370 Kg approximately) was declared man of the match.