Purul Atongba celebrates post-plantation festival
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, June 24 2025: Purul Atongba village in Senapati district started celebration of the Poumai Laonii Festival 2025, a post-plantation festival, on Tuesday with Naga People's Organisation (NPO) president Kuba Peter as chief guest, Hiiduna Council chairman PL Jacob as guest of honour, Purul Atongba village headman K Lemo as chief host, and Purul Atongba Village Authority chairman Victor Danii and Purul Atongba Women Society chairperson H Pousheru as special guests.

Celebration of Laonii festival by the Poumai Naga tribe is marked by various socio-re-ligious activities aimed at rejuvenating the community's spirit and health after their hard work in the fields.

The festival lasts for five to nine days, with variations across the three circles of Chilivai, Lepaona, and Pao-mata.

The celebrations include traditional feasts, folk songs, and dances, fostering social interaction and family reunions.

A unique custom involves giving meat to younger sisters married into other villages, symbolising blessings and remembrance.

The festival plays a vital role in preserving the cultural identity of the Poumai Naga tribe, promoting unity and cooperation among its members.

The Poumai Naga tribe, primarily residing in Manipur's Senapati district and parts of Nagaland, celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

Stating that the Nagas are deeply connected to their culture and traditions, Kuba Peter noted that the Poumai tribe not only celebrates Laonii festival in a grand manner, demonstrating unity, love, and cooperation but it also serves as an occasion to seek the God's blessings for a bountiful harvest.

In their speeches, PL Jacob highlighted the essence of the .festival, and urged the youth to learn from elders, as "not all wisdom can be found on Google", whereas chief host K Lemo expressed gratitude to the forefathers for preserving these beautiful traditions since time immemorial.

The festival featured various competitions, including folk songs, horn blowing, mouth harp performances, duets, poetry recitations, solos, and traditional wrestling.

A special prize for the best traditional attire (male and female) will be awarded on the closing day.

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