Mao cultural fest kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 06 2013 :
The first three-day Mao Community Cultural Festival kicked off Sunday morning at Tadubi public ground with local MLA representing 48th Mao Assembly Constituency, L Dikho, as chief guest of the inaugural programme.
Addressing the festive gathering, Dikho stressed on the rich tradition and culture of Nagas and said that it is only through preservation, revival and propagation of this rich culture that Nagas can hope to prosper and make themselves known to the world.
He said the vibrant dances and songs and colourful traditional attires of the Nagas are unique and that through right exposure, proper channelization and synthesis, can become trendsetters and brand names.
The NPF legislator said it was high time for present generation Nagas to emulate the "self- reliant and independent nature" of their forefathers and not become too dependent on Western or Indian cultures, be it in their dress code or other aspects.
Dikho said that before the advent of Western culture or Indian influence, Nagas were self-dependent and knew how to weave their own clothes, build their own houses, make their own implements and even produce their own salt.
Even the houses Naga forefathers built were architecturally stable and aesthetically pleasant, he said.
Through incorporation of the Native wisdom and skills of Naga forefathers with modern technology, Nagas can become master architects, the chief guest said.
Further, the chief guest said that even in sports, popularizing indigenous games like wrestling can go a long way in carrying forward the Naga brand.
Greeting the people on the occasion of the festival, Dikho said festivals should not only be about feasting and merry making also highlight the positive aspects and traditions of forefathers.
Later, the chief guest also inspected the scores of miniature houses depicting the ancient way of life of the Mao Nagas- from agriculture implements to weapons right to the hearth.
Earlier, president Mao Council, H Chakho, delivered welcome address.
Highlights of day-one of the festival included traditional fire making, folk dances and songs by different villages, traditional attires contest, followed by community feast.