Lui Ngai Ni showcases Nagas' culture, identity
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, February 15 2025: Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2025, the Naga Seed Sowing Festival, was celebrated at Katomei, Senapati district with grandeur.

The inaugural function was attended by former minister Awangbow Newmai as the Lui-ngai-ni protagonist, MLA J Kumo Sha as honoured celebrant, and MLA L Dikho as the host of the celebration.

The celebration commenced on Friday with former minister Khashim Vashum attending it as the main celebrant and extending the Lui-Ngai-Ni greetings to all.

In his speech, Khashim Vashum highlighted Lui-Ngai-Ni's deep agricultural significance and urged the gathering to uphold the festival as a symbol of Naga identity, unity, and gratitude.

Addressing the gathering, Awangbow Newmai, stated that the Nagas are known for their courage, generosity, discipline, and willingness to sacrifice for a good cause.

He credited the far-sighted vision of past Naga leaders for the respect Nagas command today.

Lui Ngai Ni showcases Nagas' culture, identity

While noting that the Nagas are in dialogue with the Government of India after signing a ceasefire, he expressed regret that, despite their educational advancements, many among the younger generations have become selfish and self-centred, leading to divisions among the people.

Regarding the border fencing issue, the NPF legislator stated that the Nagas would not accept artificial boundaries without reconsidering Naga territories.

He supported the Naga demand against the policy of division and urged the community to unite and fight for the good cause while resisting forces that attempt to break their unity.

He then called upon Naga brethren to be an instrument of peace in the state.

In his welcome note, State Level Organising Committee convenor N Gonmei Poujan stated that Lui-Ngai-Ni is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a platform to showcase the artistic talents of the Naga community.

He highlighted that the music, dances, traditional attires parade from different Naga tribes, and cultural night would be a spectacular display of tradition and creativity.

He added that the virtual presence of everyone bridged distances and brought the people closer as a global Naga community.

Expressing gratitude for the support and enthusiasm, he urged all to come together in the spirit of unity, respect, and celebration and prayed that the festival would strengthen bonds, nurture traditions, and inspire all to carry forward the legacy of the ancestors.

UNC president Ng Lorho stated that Lui-Ngai-Ni is an important occasion marking the onset of the seed sowing season, invoking the Almighty's blessings for a bountiful harvest.

He emphasised that the festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas through dances, songs, indigenous games, and colourful traditional attires, preserving and passing on cultural values.

He noted that this year's theme, "Celebrating Nagas Cultural Fusion," reflects the uniqueness of the Nagas.

He observed that although each Naga tribe has its own distinct culture, the Nagas as a community share more in common.

He, nevertheless, warned against the increasing influence of westernisation, which is diluting fundamental principles and social norms, and stressed the need to preserve and protect cultural traditions.

He urged the Nagas to celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni with a prayer for love, peace, and better relations among all communities and encouraged them to remain united as proud Nagas.

MLA Leishiyo Keishing acknowledged the distinct culture of each Naga tribe but emphasised that Lui-Ngai-Ni brings the Naga people together despite their differences.

He underscored the need to organise such celebrations to display the oneness of the Naga community while fostering unity and serving as a stepping stone to nation-building.

He urged all Nagas to play a role in building relationships and unity to strengthen the future of the Naga people.

MLA L Dikho expressed his delight in meeting different personalities of the Naga community during the festival.

He stated that coming together to celebrate, exchange views, and know one another is important to bring unity among the people.

He urged all Nagas to sow seeds not only as a cultural tradition but also as a means of livelihood.

Highlighting that God has blessed the Nagas with vast land and abundant resources, he stressed the need to preserve the environment, flora, fauna, wildlife, plants, and trees.

He called for planting more trees and lamented the frequent land disputes among people.

As part of the festival, chief of Maram tribe, K Namba blessed the seeds and distributed them to all the 22 Naga tribe presidents.

The festival featured indigenous wrestling showcased by Poumai Naga tribe, the blowing of the Buffalo horn by the Mak tribe, a cultural dance by the Maring tribe, indigenous games by the Thangal tribe, and folk fusion performances by the Mai tribe, Thangal tribe, and Anal tribe.

The event began with flag hoisting by UNC President Ng Lorho, traditional horn blowing by the Maram Union, cultural dances, and folk fusion performances.

During the event, Naga People's Organisation president H Kuba Peter stated that Lui-Ngai-Ni is the biggest festival for Nagas in the South, celebrating unity and seeking God's blessings for a bountiful harvest.

NPO finance secretary Ch Loli Sheshuna shared the festival's history, tracing it back to 1986, with the first celebration held in 1987 and later recognised as a state holiday and a tourist festival by the Government of India.