Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 to begin today in Senapati District
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai Network

Imphal, November 17 2025: The Makuiluangdi Festival 2025, celebrated under the theme "Malangwangbo: Return of the Native," is set to commence tomorrow and will conclude on November 21 in Senapati district The festival embodies the spirit of homecoming for the Zeliangrong people - also known as the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) - whose ancestral identity traces back to the historic village of Makuiluangdi.

K Elu Ndang, convenor of the central organising committee, said the festival draws its name from Makuiluangdi, the ancestral village of the community.

First organised in 2019 by the Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF), the event has always centred on the theme "Malangwangbo," which signifies the symbolic return of the people to their ancestral homeland, celebrating unity, heritage, and community.

One of the major highlights this year will be the reenactment of the Naga dispersal at Makhel.

The Mao Council will co-host this symbolic procession on November 18.As part of rediscovering the historical journey and lineage of the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong), the organisers have lined up an Ultra Trail Expedition featuring cycling, running, motorbiking, and a car rally from the Naga's common ancestral home, Makhel, to Makuiluangdi village in Senapati district.

The route marks the legendary path taken by the ancestors who later settled and founded the Makuiluangdi civilization.

Elu Ndang noted that the expedition is not only a tribute to ancestral memories but also a celebration of adventure, fitness, fellowship and cultural pride.

Following this, participants and villagers will march together to the Hallowed Ground of Makuiluangdi village, where a grand cultural procession and a mega cultural show atop the mountain will take place on the night of November 21 .

Another unique feature of Malangwangbo 2025 will be the Luangdimai Village Stone Piling Ceremony.

Over 620 villages from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and other parts of the Northeast will each bring a stone engraved with their village name, signifying shared heritage and unity.

The festival will also highlight dynamic cultural dance performances from the Zeliangrong Heraka Association, Tingkao Raguang Chapriak, and Poupei Chapriak groups.

Performers will don full traditional attire, while food stalls will offer a variety of ethnic cuisines and beverages.

Traditional crafts, herbal medicines, books, and indigenous artworks will reconnect visitors with ancient knowledge and cultural aesthetics.

Youth-oriented events - including folk song contests, traditional sports, and art competitions - will add further vibrancy to the celebration, Elu Ndang added.

Comment