SENAPATI: The three-day Post Plantation Festival organized by the Makhrelui Youth and Students’ Organisation (MYSO) commenced on Wednesday. The inaugural program at Senapati Astro Turf Ground brought together village leaders, youth, students, and well-wishers to celebrate the Laonii (Poumai), Saleni (Mao), Pung-ngii (Maram) festival where the village comprises mixed communities of the district.
In this welcome note, Kajishou Xavier, President, MYSO stated that Saleni, Laonii or Pung-nii is a festival of thanksgiving that reminds the hard work, perseverance and faith of the forefathers as they cultivated the land, although fewer people today are directly involved in farming and transplantation.adding, celebration keeps tradition alive. He stated that Makhrelui is a home to people from different tribes and communities and that diversity is one of the greatest strength, especially during the challenging times in Manipur, he mentioned.
The gathering stated to remind the people of unity, mutual respect and fellowship. He mentioned that the village is blessed with talented sportspersons who have brought recognition in various fields and hope to provide a platform to showcase their talents through the festival. He emphasize that at a time where drug abuse has become an increasing concern, sports and community activities offer a positive path forward as it provides purpose, relieve stress and helps young people develop confidence. He concluded with a simple thought stating, ”Active youths are healthy youths and healthy youths are far less likely to be drawn towards harmful habits.”
Guest of honor Joram Koveo, President Senapati District Olympic Association Manipur (SDOAM) extended his greetings to the gathering on the occasion of Laonii, Saleni, or Pung-nii and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous culture and traditions. He noted that while cultural practices are gradually declining, festivals such as Laonii provide an opportunity to keep them alive and pass them on to future generations. He stated that the inclusion of various program and activities during the festival helps strengthen the spirit of togetherness, unity, and bonding within the community.
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He expressed hope that future editions of the festival would feature even more cultural elements and traditional activities like competition of folk dance and folk songs to deepen public appreciation of their heritage. Speaking from a sports perspective, he highlighted that community gatherings and grassroots sporting events serve as important platforms for learning, personal growth, and mutual support. He remarked that such events are not only meant for competition but also allow elders and sports enthusiasts to identify and nurture talented players. He encouraged participants to uphold unity and sportsmanship, viewing one another not as rivals but as comrades.
Chief Guest of the day, Siile Anthony, Former Director (HRD), North Eastern Council (NEC), highlighted the significance of the festival, stating that the festival carries two important meanings — expressing gratitude to God for the abundance of water and the successful completion of plantation activities, and seeking blessings for a good harvest. He noted that in earlier times the celebration lasted for seven days and featured folk songs, folk dances, and various traditional competitions.
While modern sporting events such as football have become central of the festival, he urged the younger generation not to forget their cultural roots and traditional heritage. He proposed that each of the twelve colonies of Makhrelui should prepare and present a folk song during future celebrations. He emphasized that while English songs may be popular, it is the community’s folk songs and traditions that truly reflect its identity and earn admiration. He encouraged young people to learn and preserve traditional songs, describing them as the roots of their culture. Stressing the importance of cultural exchange, he said that educated and civilized people learn from one another and encouraged sharing of folk songs and traditions among different communities, including the Poumai, Mao, and Maram.
Comparing Senapati to a garden of diverse flowers, he remarked that its mixed cultures and communities contribute to the town’s beauty and strength. He reminded the gathering that the prosperity and future of Senapati lie in the hands of its residents and called upon them to uphold the principle of “Live and let live.” He said that peace, harmony, and development can be achieved through unity and mutual respect among all communities.
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Expressing his desire to see improved cultural infrastructure, he remarked that such celebrations deserve a dedicated cultural hall rather than an open venue. He stated that with unity and collective effort, no goal is impossible to achieve. Emphasizing the need to preserve cultural identity, he said, “We should never forget our roots. Without roots, we will wither away. Though there is development, we should not forget our traditional values and the principles of our forefathers.” He further urged the gathering to reflect on whether the spirit of accommodation, brotherhood, and community living continues to guide the society today.
Concluding his address, he encouraged the youth to learn more traditional dances and songs and reiterated that culture forms the foundation of a people’s identity. He expressed hope that during the next Laonii celebration, he would have the opportunity to witness more folk songs and traditional dances performed by the younger generation.
The program also featured a special performance by Raiveine Shingne. This was followed by the vote of thanks delivered by Leo S., General Secretary of MYSO. The event concluded with the formal declaration of the Laonii Festival by the Chief Guest Siile Anthony, marking the commencement of the festival celebrations and sporting activities.
