IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 17: Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 – “Malangwangbo: Return of the Native” is all set to begin from November 18 and culminate on November 21 in Senapati district.
K Elu Ndang, who is the convenor of the central organising committee of the festival, said today that the Makuiluangdi Festival derives its name from Makuiluangdi, the ancestral village of the Zeliangrong people—also known as the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong), whose identity itself traces back to this historic village. The Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF) had first organized the festival in 2019 with the same evocative theme, “Malangwangbo” meaning “Return of the Native”, symbolizing the homecoming of Luangdimai people from across regions to their ancestral homeland for a grand celebration of heritage, community, and unity.
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One of the festival’s highlights will be the re-enactment of the Naga dispersal at Makhel, featuring a symbolic procession co-hosted by the Mao Council on November 18, 2025. Following this, as part of the journey to rediscover the history and lineage of the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong), the organizers have planned an Ultra Trail Expedition—comprising running,
cycling, motorbiking, and car rally, from the Naga’s common ancestral home, Makhel, to Makuiluangdi village (present Senapati district of Manipur). The route marks the legendary path where the ancestors are believed to have traversed, took shelter and then finally established at the Makuiluangdi civilization. This expedition is not only a tribute to ancestral
memory but also a celebration of adventure, fitness, fellowship, and cultural pride among participants and enthusiasts, Elu Ndang added.
Thereafter, participants and villagers will march together to the Hallowed Ground of Makuiluangdi Village, where trail participants will lead a grand cultural procession culminating in a mega cultural show atop the mountain. Festivities will continue through the night of November 21, 2025.
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A distinctive feature of Malangwangbo 2025 will be the Luangdimai Village Stone Piling Ceremony, where over 620 villages spread across Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and other parts of Northeast India will each bring a stone engraved with their village name—symbolizing unity and shared heritage.
The festival will also showcase vibrant cultural dance performances from the Zeliangrong Heraka Association, Tingkao Raguang Chapriak, and Poupei Chapriak groups. Participants and performers will don full traditional attire, while local food stalls will offer delectable traditional cuisines and beverages. Indigenous crafts, attires, books, herbal medicines, and artworks will reconnect visitors with ancient knowledge and aesthetics. Youth-oriented events such as folk song contests, traditional sports, and art competitions will further
enliven the celebration, Elu Ndang further added.