Newmai News Network
Imphal: Liangmai people across Manipur state celebrated Chaga festival today. It is one of the most important festivals of the Liangmai tribe.
Organised by Liangmai Naga Council (LNC), Tamenglong Zone, at the district headquarters today, the Liangmai people had a day-long festivity.
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Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Angambou Kalengta, Assistant Commandant, said that Chaga festival basically is a blessed (thoidam) festival (changee). He informed that October 30 is declared as a restricted holiday by both the Manipur and Nagaland governments, “because Changa Ngee is observed mainly in Manipur and Nagaland by the Liangmai people.”
The chief guest also said that many Liangmai elders have opined differently about the meaning of Chaga. “Some say it is a festival of the sanctification, preparation for war, war festival and seeking God’s blessing for the next year. But most of them agree that it is a process of sanctification of the body and mind to get blessing in whatever form for ambitions one aspire to have. Therefore, one can call it a blessed festival,” Angambou added.
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The festival was also celebrated at Tamei sub-divisional headquarters organised by the surrounding villages including the Tamei Town Authority.
Speaking as chief guest, Wilubou Newmai emphasised the importance and necessity of preserving one’s culture and tradition.
Mention may be made here that features of the festival include cultural dances, cultural songs and Liangmai traditional sports followed by a grand feast. The festival is one of the most anticipated for the Liangmai people.
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Liangmai people from all walks of life engage in the day-long jamboree of cultural extravaganza on the day. Liangmai people gather in bonhomie to rejoice in promoting their roots. On the Chaga Ngee day every year, Liangmai people also get together in various festival venues in the spirit of brotherhood.
Cut to this modern time, Chaga has been laced with festoons and fanfare with the showcasing of tradition and culture within the modern context in most cases.
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On this very day every year, the Liangmai people make every effort to reunite with their roots despite the mad drive along the tide of the fast moving world.
On the occasion, people come to celebrate the festival in Liangmai attire.
(This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.)
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