Cultural gala gives a befitting starts to Lui-Ngai-Ni at Tml
Source: The Sangai Express
Tamenglong, February 14, 2013:
The celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the most significant festival of the Nagas to invoke the blessing of God before planting and sowing of seeds and offer thanksgiving for the last bumper harvest, started off with a cultural gala at Tamenglong district headquarters today.
Lui-Ngai-Ni is a reflection of the unique identity and worldview of the Naga people and signifies the close relationship of the people, land and life; the plantation cycle representing the cycle of life.
It rekindles the past glorious tradition and values for their posterity.
Colourful traditional dances and songs were showcased on the eve of the state level Lui-Ngai-Ni 2014 at Mini Stadium Tamenglong this evening under the theme 'our culture, our identity'.
S.T.Victor Nunghlung, MLA 41- Chandel AC/ST and C.Arthur W, IAS Deputy ommissioner Tamenglong graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
In his speech, MLA Victor Nunglung said that Lui-Ngai-Ni is only the common platform of the Nagas where all Nagas can come together and show the solidarity through various cultural exchanges.
"It is an occasion to introspect and put forth the various ills and problems besetting our present society and explore ways for solution.
Today Naga society as a whole is at a cross-road, not knowing what tomorrow holds for us", he said.
"Preservation of our culture and strengthening our unity, which this very festival adopts as the theme, are our greatness assets and weapons in hand to exert our identity to show that we are also a society, as nation to be reckoned with", he added.
C Arthur W, IAS Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong also spoke on the occasion and wishes the Naga people a prosperous year.
Displaying of talent, choreography, presenting songs and music and couple show were main highlights of the programme.
Meanwhile, in view of the visit of Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland in Tamenglong to take part in the State level celebration tomorrow, security has been beefed up in Tamenglong.
A team Nagaland Police Force already arrived in advance today afternoon.