CHANDEL: The Anal Naga community, under the aegis of Anal Naga Tangpi (ANTA), celebrated the Anal Phetha Ni Alum in Anal Khullen village, Chandel district, Manipur on Monday to honour ancient heroes that played vital roles in defending their people and land against the enemies.
The programme began with an opening prayer by Rev KL Tangthu, executive secretary of the Anal Naga Baptist Association (ANBA) while Hb Ruwngnem, Speaker of the Anal Naga Tangpi hoisted the flag.
Speaking at the event, Bd Thumdal, convenor of the Souvenir Committee, said that the birthday of Chief Bungjampa, one of the Phethas, was first celebrated on January 12, 1953. However, in 1998, this day was observed as Phetha Ni Alum to honour legendary Anal heroes, he added.
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Thumdal informed that Thumkhel, Volhlung, Teshung and Pashel Kumthu were the Anal heroes celebrated for years. However, following the ANTA Assembly on October 8, 2025, nine notable regional figures or heroes were accepted and inducted as Anal Phethas, including Seltun Thulring, Ruwngtol Koko, Kanthuwn Kolo, Runlel Kashol, Sinruwng Bera among others.
Addressing the gathering, St. Victory Nunghlung, former MLA of 41-Chandel (ST) Assembly Constituency spoke reiterated that the Anals were and are Nagas by blood and history. Asserting that the Anal Naga community existed thousands of years before the Kukis immigrated to Manipur. He supported this with a folklore of Meitei deity Ibuthou Wangbarel and Anāl Petha Thumkhel.
He narrated that, as tradition would have it, Wangbarel was challenged by Anal warriors, who were represented by Thumkhel, to a massive rock-throwing as he was in love with an Anal maiden and had to prove his love and worth. As a deity, Wangbarel had taken human form, he said, adding the historic rocks associated with legend still stand today.
Ps Monihring, president of ANTA l, delivered the welcome note while Ng Lorho, president, United Naga Council released the Petha Ni Alum Souvenir 2026 and extended his best wishes to Anal community.
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The celebration was marked by a variety of activities including folk songs and cultural dances. Phetha Sa Nam, a display of how Anal warriors celebrated upon returning victoriously from a battle and were welcomed, was one of the highlights of the day.
The Naga Hoho, Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, ANSAM, NSUC, among others extended their greetings and wishes on the occasion. They hailed the Anal community for being strong defenders of Naga territory and called on them to look up to the Phethas and be one in modern times.
Besides the over 3,000 people dressed in their traditional attires, the celebration was also attended by leaders of various CSOs, Churches, student organisations, etc.