State Level Lui-Ngai-Ni 2016 held 'Sowing in sweat, reaping in joy'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 15 2016:
The State level Lui-Ngai-Ni 2016 was celebrated in a grand manner with the theme 'Sowing in sweat, reaping in joy' today at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong here.
Popularly known as the 'Naga Seed Sowing Festival', Lui-Ngai-Ni was held for the 29th time, this year.
The festival was conceptualized to bring in different ethnic communities of the Nagas under one roof and celebrate the seed sowing festival together as one.
The name consists of three different words 'Lui- a Tangkhul word, Ngai- a Rongmei word and Ni- a Mao word.
Lighting of 'Sacred Traditional Fire' by the chief guest and traditional Naga Ho-Hoing marked the beginning of the State level Lui-Ngai-Ni 2016 .
Organized by the Lui-Ngai-Ni 2016 Organising Committee, cultural programme by various dance troupes from the Zeliangrong, Maring, Mao, Thangal tribes captivated the audience.
Local artistes also presented the theme song of 'Lui-Ngai-Ni' .
Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar graced the function as the chief guest while the Deputy Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly MK Preshow Shimray was the functional president.
Parliamentary Secretary of Tribal Affairs and Hills Victor Keishing was the chief host.
Chairman of Hill Area Committee Dr Chaltonlien Amo, MLA of Saikul A/C Yamthong Haokip, MLA of Singnat A/C Ginsuanhau and MLA of Tengnoupal A/C DK Korungthang were the guests of honour.
Addressing the gatherings, Th Lokeshwar stated "Such festival of the Naga communities should mark the beginning of a new era where seeds of love, friendship, forgiveness are sown.
The feeling of hatred and anger should be left behind as we are all brethren of the same mother and prosperity and development should be given a chance to return to the State" .
He claimed that Manipur has enormous potential to excel in each and every field whether be it sports, dance, and culture.
Such potential attracts hatred and envy from different parts of the country even neighbouring States.
Cautioning the people on this auspicious and joyous day of the Naga community, he urged the people to stand guarded against divisive elements which are threatening to tear apart the age old relations among the different communities of the State.
He urged all concerned to maintain the integrity of the State against disintegrating elements.
He appealed to all people belonging to different communities to help one another and leave a legacy where there is only love and forgiveness for the posterity.
Functional president Preshow Shimray stated that Lui-Ngai-Ni is not only for the ethnic Naga communities but also for the entire State.
The festival should bring different communities of the State together not division.
He added that the State Government has popularized the festival and has also included it in the tourism festival list, indicating the importance of the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival.
Dr Chaltonlien Amo stated that the culture of 'yours and ours' has grappled the State which directly affects peace and tranquillity.
He urged the people to shed those cultures and bring in the beautiful culture of peace, love and harmony to the land once again.
Further he appealed to all people irrespective of their community to sow the seed of love and forgiveness.
Chief host of the function, Victor Keishing stressed that the seed sowing festival of the Naga community is a unifying factor for all communities of Manipur and it should be embraced by each and every individual.
Comment
