Chandel, Jan 13: The Anal community, under the aegis of the Anal Naga Tangpi (ANTA), organised the Anal Phetha Ni Alum 2025 at the Anal Khullen Community Hall in Anal Khullen village on Sunday and Monday.
Held aptly under the theme “Remember the Heroes”, the day was observed in remembrance of the Anal Heroes and Warriors of the past who fought against and protected the Anal community from their foes. The main heroes or warriors of the Anal community of the past include Thuwnkhel, Volhnu and Pashel Kumtha among others.
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Thuwnkhel is widely known for his traditional competition with Wangbren, the god of water, rain, flood in Meitei Mythology when the latter fell in love with Anal maiden known as Shangnu.
Addressing the celebration, PS. Monihring Anal, president of ANTA hailed the Phethas (Heroes/Warriors) as protectors and defenders of “our land”. It is because of them that we are able to live peacefully and happily in this beautiful land of ours, he said, adding that if it were not for Anal Phetha, we might not have been here today.
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He also said that the Anal people have lived in the same way till today, protecting their land and natural resources for the future generation.
The ANTA president also highlighted on how January 12, usually celebrated as the birthday of Bungjampa was observed as Phetha Ni following a meeting and agreement among the leaders of the Anal community.
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As chief guest, Lh. Wolring, Principal, Anallon Christian Institute (ACI) called for unity among the Anal Naga community, to defend “our land” against enemies and to preserve it. He also informed that there are 376 folk songs of the Anal Phetha sung by various elders.
He also highlighted how the Anal Heroes fought and protected the people and it’s land. And while calling on the Anal people to be heroes in their own ways and fields, L. Wolring said that with God on our side, the Anals can face any adversaries.
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Pashel Beshung, an elder of the community and President of Anal Art and Cultural Society, narrated the stories of the Phethas.
As part of the event, folk songs narrating the victorious tales of the Anal Phethas were sung while certificate of honours were also presented to the major achievers from the community. As for today, about 100 individuals from the community were chosen for the honour.
ANTA president informed that 100 were chosen this time, including posthumously and that the remaining would be honoured next year. Cultural dance, Phetha Sa Nam, were also held as part of the programme.
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Wng. Kohring, Speaker, UNC attended as Functional President while Jaruingam Pashel Anal, renowned actor from the Anal community, attended as guest of honour. Moreover, the event was also attended by Ex-MLA St. Victor Nunghlung, village chiefs and leaders of the Anal community.
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