UKHRUL: The Naga seed-sowing festival Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2026 was celebrated at the Ukhrul Headquarters Ground organised by the State Level Organizing Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council with Tangkhul Naga Long as the host.
Held under the theme “Cultural Renaissance,” the two-day festival brought together leaders, elders, youth and representatives from across Naga-inhabited areas.
Lui-ngai-ni, the seed sowing festival is celebrated by all the Naga tribes almost simultaneously during the onset of spring to signify the propitious time for sowing of seeds. During this festival, the Gods are invoked for blessings of the seeds of crops to yield a bounteous harvest that would ensure the wellbeing of the people.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Nephiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and president of the NPF (Central), described his presence not merely as an honour but as an opportunity to share the prayers and goodwill of the Nagas from Nagaland.
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He said Lui-Ngai-Ni is not just a festival to observe, but a moment to reaffirm identity as a people, to remember forefathers, renew bonds, and pray for abundance in the fields. “Our festivals are signs of thanksgiving, but they are also lessons in life,” he stated, adding that before progress, there must be unity and faith.
Addressing elders, women and youth, the chief guest said elders are the “living libraries,” women are the keepers of home and culture, and the youth hold the plough for the next sowing season and the future ahead. As seeds are blessed during the festival, he urged the gathering to also sow seeds of unity, wisdom and responsibility, and to build bridges among communities.
On the political front, Rio spoke about the coming together of like-minded political forces, referring to the merger of NPF and NDPP as a step taken without complaint and in the spirit of “coming back home.” He expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters for strengthening unity among the Nagas, and hoped it would serve as a lesson for all political parties.
The Nagaland chief minister also reiterated that the Naga issue remains a political issue requiring dialogue at the highest level. He referred to various historical resolutions passed over the decades and agreements signed in 2015 and 2017, stating that although a final settlement is yet to come, the process remains alive. He stressed that talks should be held at the Prime Minister’s level without preconditions.
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He further mentioned the consultative meeting of September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations and 226 individuals endorsed resolutions, reflecting the collective aspiration of the people. Decades after earlier accords, he said, a lasting solution is still awaited, but unity among the people remains crucial.
Rio expressed happiness at being part of the celebration, stating that gatherings like Lui-Ngai-Ni promote unity and peace among the Naga family. He concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the people.
Also speaking on the occasion, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho stated that under the leadership of the chief minister and through the collective efforts of the party, the Naga People’s Front were stated to be playing a significant role in bringing peace and stability to Manipur. The Naga people have endured immense struggles and challenges throughout history. Those experiences have shaped the people, strengthened them, and brought the people to a place of maturity and responsibility, he said.
Dikho further said that people at present have started to stand not just as survivors of conflict, but as contributors to peace and stability in the state.
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The Deputy CM expressed gratitude to the elders and past leaders who moulded the people with wisdom and resilience. He also acknowledged, with gratitude, the visionary leaders who guided the historic Framework Agreement, laying the foundation for dialogue and understanding which he termed as the position and vision, target, to uphold peace, unity, and progress for its people.
Dikho urged all to continue to stand firm in supporting this vision. Having fought enough in the past, the Dikho stated that history has seen more than its share of conflict, adding no time to fight. From this day forward, Dikho urged people to commit themselves to work for peace and peace alone.
Meanwhile, in his presidential address, UNC president Ng Lorho stated that the cultural festival of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the sacred seed sowing festival of the Nagas in Manipur is observed annually on February 15. Among the many vibrant festivals celebrated by the Naga people, the seed-sowing festival shares the most common profound significance. It marks the commencement of the agricultural cycle that invokes divine blessings for abundance, prosperity, and sustenance, he said.
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Beyond its agrarian roots, Lui-Ngai-Ni stands as a luminous expression of a collective identity. Through traditional dances, folk songs, indigenous games, and resplendent traditional attire, the Nagas started to celebrate the richness of its heritage and
reaffirm the timeless bond that unites the people as one. “The festival is not merely ceremonial-it is emblematic of unity, resilience, and shared destiny. It also provides a platform that strengthens our solidarity and shapes a secure political future,” the UNC president mentioned.
In the spirit of Nagahood, people from all walks of life, from across South Nagalim and beyond, converged in solidarity. This year’s theme, “Cultural Renaissance,” is both timely and profound. At a historical juncture when cultural assimilation posed subtle yet serious challenges stating the theme calls for a revival, preservation, and dignified assertion of our indigenous heritage for generations to come.
Blowing of horns, traditional lighting of Lui-ngai-ni sacred fire, traditional harmony, folk fusion, indigenous wrestling, indigenous games, war dance, etc were the major attractions of the festival.