Traditional fervour marks Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration
Source: The Sangai Express

LAMBUNG (Chandel), February 16: The traditional seed sowing festival of the Nagas, Lui-Ngai-Ni was celebrated on February 15 here at the ground of United College, Lambung along with traditional fervour and gaiety, though, on a subdued note.

Unlike in the past, this year's celebration was lowkey and bereft of presence of 'high profile dignitaries'.

Nonetheless, true to the spirit of the celebration under the theme 'Enriching culture for posterity', the event came alive with presentation of colourful cultural dances of various Naga tribes, lighting of the sacred fire, blowing of the horns by Anal and Lamkang tribes, Lui-Ngai-Ni adoration and demonstration of the drum beatings by Zeliangrong siblings.

Child artistes presenting a cultural programme during the inaugural ceremony of the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival at Chandel, Feb 16

With setting of the sun, the stage was literally set on fire by the energetic performances of talented singers like Alvina Gonson, Source Mashangva (Akui), other guest artistes and traditional fashion parade.

Earlier during the day, addressing the gathering as chief guest of the function, HAC chairman Thangminlien Kipgen emphasized on the cultural and social affinity between the Nagas and the Kukis.

Quoting the line 'Love thy neighbours (as thyself)' from the Holy book of Bible, he categorically stated that being the closest neighbours, Nagas and Kukis need to promote cordial relationship between themselves and live in peace.

Fighting between the two groups would not bring any good, he said.

He also mooted that the organising committees of both Lui-Ngai-Ni of the Nagas and the Kut of the Kukis should think over the possibility of organising celebration of the two festivals at the State level jointly sometime in the future.

In reply to the various representations submitted to him by social organizations, HAC chairman said that Hill Area Committee is like a 'tiger without teeth and claws' and since the days of the Durbar it has not been able to do anything to fulfil aspirations of the people living in the hills.

Nonetheless, he appreciated the recent announcement made by the Government for holding the long-delayed election of the District Councils.

In this regard, he called upon the people for co-operation and support to the elected representatives for carrying forward the tasks lying ahead. In his address as guest of honour, vice president of Naga Hoho Keviletuo Kiew-huo expressed unhappiness over the complacency and reticence among the Nagas that had crept up during the course of the almost decade-long peace talks.

He pointed out that Nagas should speak out their mind for their own rights and continue to strive hard for realizing their dream of living together in peace and harmony under one administrative unit.

Speaking on the same line, Samson Remei, care-taker cum president of United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Naga social bodies of Manipur which is spearheading the Naga integration movement said the celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni festival over the years has consistently given an impetus to the Naga communities in the promotion and preservation of their cultural roots and traditional values.

Commenting on the ongoing Naga peace process Remei appealed to the Naga people to extend their utmost support to the process so as to bring about a lasting peace and permanent solution to the decades old Naga problem.

Delivering his speech in Manipuri so as to make everyone present, young and old alike, understand, MP of Manipur Outer Parliamentary Constituency Mani Charenamei who attended the celebration as special guest pointed out that gift exchange programmes being organized among the various groups of people living in Manipur during festival time is a good effort toward promotion of cordial relationship among the people, however it should be based on truth and understanding for meaningful relationship.

e also asserted that Naga people living in different parts of the North east region are members of a big family that has been divided along with creation of States like Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

This fact should be admitted, he said.

It may be recalled that the seed sowing festival of the Nagas, Lui-Ngai-Ni is being celebrated with much fanfare on February 15 every year since 1987 to showcase the oneness of the Naga people.

The day has also been declared a State holiday and is one of the tourist festivals of India.