Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival to be celebrated at Ukhrul on Feb 14-15
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai Network

Imphal, February 01 2026: The Naga's seed sowing festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni, will be celebrated this year at Ukhrul district headquarters, Manipur, on February 14 and February 15 under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).

The two-day gala event will be hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).

The festival, observed annually to mark the beginning of the agricultural season, will feature traditional rituals, speeches, blowing of trumpets, cultural dances, folk songs and other forms of entertainment.

The theme for this year's Lui-Ngai-Ni is "Cultural Renaissance" .

Losii Dikho,MLA from Mao AC, will attend as the chief guest, while Dinganlung Gangmei, chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and MLA from Nungba AC, will be the 'main celebrant', and Awangbow Newmai, MLA from Tamei, will be the 'principal celebrant' of the festival.

Chief Secretary of Manipur, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei will convey their greetings during the inaugural function.

In the valedictory programme, greetings will be delivered by Chandel MLA Dr SS Olish and Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing.

Khashim Vashum, MLA from Chingai Assembly Constituency, will be the Lui-Ngai-Ni host.

A note issued as part of the Lui-Ngai-Ni programme highlighted that culture forms the foundation of a people's identity, worldview and way of life.

It stated that the Nagas, comprising about 66-67 ethnic tribes spread across India and Myanmar, reflect unity in diversity.

Of these, 20 tribes and one associate unit are found in Manipur including, Anal, Aimol, Chothe, Chiru, Inpui, Kharam, Khoibu, Lamkang, Liangmai, Mao, Maram, Maring, Moyon, Monsang, Poumai, Rongmei, Tarao, Tangkhul, Thangal, Zeme and KNUM.

The note further stated that Lui-Ngai-Ni is a common seed sowing festival celebrated by all Naga tribes during the onset of spring to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of the people.

Exploring the theme, the note described "Cultural Renaissance" as a revival of cultural heritage through rediscovery and reinterpretation of traditional values, art and knowledge in a modem context.

It said that the theme reflects the Naga people's efforts to reclaim and celebrate their history, identity, moral values and rich cultural heritage, while adapting to changing times and preserving core values.

The programme note added that this year's theme aims to revive, inculcate and retain both the abstract and practical value systems of Naga culture, which will shape the collective destiny of the people.

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