2nd Tadui Tako Festival celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 20 2025: The 2nd Tadui Tako (Himalayan Crocodile Newt of Zaimeng Lake) Festival was held at Thonglang Atongba village, drawing attention to the ecological and cultural significance of the pristine Zaimeng Lake.

The event was organised by Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Govt of Manipur.

The inaugural program was graced by Awangbow Newmai, Former Minister & MLA, Tamei AC, Hemant Kumar, SDO/BDO, Tuijang Waichong Block, Mani Charenamei, Former MP (Lok Sabha) and R Machundoubou, President, Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur as the presidium members along with MK Somi, President, Bena Zaimeng Joint Development Committee as the chief host.

2nd Tadui Tako Festival celebrated

The festival in the Liangmai Naga village of Thonglang offered tourists and visitors an opportunity to witness the hidden beauty of Zaimeng Lake, situated in the hills of the Maraobo Range which is an extension of the Tapabou Range (Koubru Range) .

The trek to Zaimeng Lake is particularly popular among adventure enthusiasts.

Zaimeng Lake, perched at an altitude of over 2,000 feet is surrounded by three village, i.e., Thonglang Akutpa, Thonglang Atongba and Chawangkining under Kangpokpi District.

The Zaimeng is a Liangmai word which literally means perplex or puzzle lake ( Zai- lake, meng- perplex or puzzle).

The Himalayan Crocodile Newt (Salamander) locally known as Tadui Tako in Liangmai dialect, which is a rare and endangered species, is abundantly available in Zaimeng Lake.

Tadui Tako is stated to be the most primitive amphibian species among the living salamanders.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, former Minister and MLA Awangbow Newmai emphasized the importance of preserving the lake and protecting endangered species, urging villagers to act as custodians of nature.

Former MP (LS), Mani Cheranamei underlined that Zaimeng Lake and its ecosystems have been the source of livelihood for generations, providing water for farming, sustainable wildlife, and preserving cultural traditions.

As a part of the festival, an awareness talk on the impact of climate change on the habitats of salamanders (Himalayan Crocodile Newt of Zaimeng Lake) was lectured by the subject experts.

The Programme Officer of Directorate of Environment & Climate Change SK Gainaimei gave a keynote address about the festival and Dr Habibullah Khan, Programme Officer led the technical session.

Cultural Dances, cultural Hooing, Cultural Choreography were showcased by the locals.

The second day of the festival would continue with a site visit to the Zaimeng lake.