Senapati, Feb 23: One of the most prestigious celebrations of the Poumai Naga community, Pao Leo Teithe, was celebrated from the February 21 till 23, 2025, after a gap of seventeen years at Purul Village, Senapati District, Manipur. First celebrated at Koide Village in 1998 and later at Thingba Khullen in 2008, Pao Leo Teithe was held in honor of the progenitor LEO of the Poumai Naga.
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This year, Pao Leo Teithe was celebrated with the theme “Honouring Our Common Heritage” and was hosted by Hiiduna (Purul Atongba and Purul Rosofii Village), with Eno K.S. Khoho, Hon’ble Ex-MDC, GOM, as the chief patron. The 29 Poumai Naga Lepaona villages participated in the celebration by showcasing the traditions of their Leo Paona forefathers, including a whooping competition, folk songs, folk dances, a Naga traditional wrestling match, a traditional fashion parade, and other cultural activities aimed at preserving traditions and promoting cultural roots. Various Naga leaders, organizations, and artists attended the celebration.
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While reiterating the example set by Purul Village in contributing to the rich heritage of Tenyimi, the Guest of Honour of the inaugural function, Eno Timikha Koza, President of the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO), emphasized the importance of improving work culture by citing a resolution that one must work and strive to eat. He further reminded the Naga people to support one another in fostering fraternity.
The functional president, Eno J. Kumo Sha, MLA of 47 Karong A/C, GoM, spoke about the crucial responsibility of politicians in safeguarding the voice of the common people. While encouraging individuals interested in politics not to shy away from participation, he also stressed the significant role politics plays in shaping the future of society and the coming generations.
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Extending the themed greetings of Pao Leo Teithe, Eno Khuzholo Azo, MLA, Government of Nagaland, and Leader of the NPF Legislature Party, depicted the Nagas as one of the largest communities in the country if all Naga-inhabited states could unite. Highlighting the historical ties of the Nagas as one family, he reiterated the continuous efforts to bring all Nagas under one administrative umbrella without violence and proposed that Naga sovereignty could only be achieved through divine intervention. Using biblical references, he likened the Nagas to the Israelites, suggesting that their deviation from God has delayed the fulfillment of their aspiration for a sovereign Naga state. He passionately urged the Nagas to put God first and acknowledged the shared heritage, emphasizing that people must celebrate the past and embrace the present through love and support for one another.
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Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, and Maj. Gen. Ravroop Singh, YSM, SM, IG, AR (South), attended as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively, on the Cultural Day. Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera emphasized that success comes only through sacrifice and highlighted the role of the elderly as a living repository of knowledge from which the younger generation can inherit wisdom in preserving cultural heritage. Acknowledging the geographical richness of the land, he encouraged people to engage with nature and learn from the past.
Pao Leo Teithe, with its generous appreciation of every donor who contributed to making the celebration a grand success, showcased a remarkable display of vibrant cultural expression through dance, songs, language, attire, rites, and unified diversity. The spirit of strengthening oneness, compassion, and unity, as well as weaving the bond of fraternity, was upheld throughout the celebration.
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