Konaitong village celebrates pre-harvest Lamlai festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Tengnoupal, October 15 2024: The annual pre-harvest festival of the Maring community known as Lamlai festival was celebrated today at Konaitong village under Machi sub-division in Tengnoupal district.

The Maring Naga customary festival was jointly organised by the Konaitong Village Authority, Konaitong Napuiya Yinglam and Konaitong Youth Club.

After performing traditional rituals and offering prayers at the residence of the village chief, the villagers walked up to the main gate of the village and showcased customary song and dance performances.

The ceremony came to a close after villagers performed the traditional Khousaba/War Dance and returned to the village.

According to Konaitong Village Chief DK Moshil, Lamlai festival is one of the most significant celebrations for the Maring tribe.

The festival has been celebrated since the time of their forefathers wherein the villagers invoke God's blessing for a bountiful harvest.

During the festival, the villagers wake up early in the morning and clean the surrounding areas of the village including drains, sites with stagnant water as well as the roads ahead of the harvest season to welcome the Gods/Goddesses of bountiful harvest.

Meanwhile, Konaitong Chairman Ch Modul Maring spoke about the Khousaba or War Dance of the Maring tribe.

Stating that it is a major customary dance of the Maring community, he pointed out that it is performed at the closing of the festival to get rid of all evil, bad luck etc and to welcome only blessings, good fortune, cleanliness/purity into the village.

He added that after this, villages come together to engage in various other customary dances.

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