Khamor Angkhui festival begins at Chingjaroi CV
Source: Chronicle News Service / Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 10 2024:
In order to preserve and honour their ancestors' rich culture and traditions, Chingjaroi CV on Tuesday commenced the Khamor Angkhui, a traditional festival promoting indigenous bread made of sticky rice.
Themed 'Redefining our Culture', the festival will continue till April 23 .
The village was bustling with activity as people of all ages dressed in traditional attire gathered to celebrate their beloved cultural festival.
Prior to the festival, it was customary for the natives to refrain from agricultural activities and instead indulge in a day of relaxation and feasting, praying for blessings and bountiful harvest.
One of the most notable aspects of the festival is the Atozha Kapang, a community event where a succulent pork dish is prepared and served by the village women.
This year, the honour of hosting this event was bestowed upon R Joel.
Expanding on the theme of 'Redefining our Culture', the festival speaker Rev SK Desolo urged the villagers to align their cultural practices with their Christian beliefs and emphasised that culture is a way of life and certain aspects that are in conflict with their faith must be discarded.
Addressing the public as chief guest of the inaugural ceremony, RH Raising, who is member of Collective Leadership (MCL) of NSCN-GPRN, exhorted the villagers to preserve the rich culture and bring necessary changes in keeping with the change.
He stressed that a community without culture has no identity and will eventually fade away.
Raising also touched on the issue of .government subsidies and how it has made people complacent and reliant on hand-outs instead of utilising their fertile land for agriculture.
He urged the villagers to break free from this trend and instead vow to consume fresh, locally grown produce instead of contaminated ones.
"The organic rice made and produced by the indigenous people should be encouraged," he said.
The inaugural event was attended by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long former president SA Ramnganing, general secretary Kaphaoleng Angkang, Tangkhul Naga Long vice president RS Jollyson, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong president Ramreichan Keishing and executives, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long president Themaso Tallanao and executives, Raphei Wungnao Long president Somi Kasomwoshi, and Raphei headman and chairman, among others.