Naga seed sowing festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni 2021 was celebrated today at the Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong headquarters in a function organized by Joint Tribe Council, Manipur (Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Inpui).
The celebration was graced by Awangbow Newmai, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister as Chief Guest, Namsinrei Panmei, Chairman ADC Tamenglong as the Guest of Honour, Armstrong Pame IAS, DC Tamenglong as Chief Host and Dm Nganthonang, Former President of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) as Tingku of the program.
“Lui-Ngai-Ni festival holds a very important place in the heart of the Nagas, and cultivation has been the lifestyle as well as the livelihood of Nagas since time immemorial,” the Chief Guest said.
While recalling the rich cultural heritage of various Naga tribes in Manipur, Newmai stressed the importance of Naga culture that revolves around cultivation and urged that Nagas should know their identity and maintain self worth. He also said that dignity and peace should be earned and that if we do not respect each other, there will be only chaos in the society, urging everyone to love others as one would love oneself.
Convenor of the Joint Tribe Council, Kenan Kamei, in his keynote address mentioned that Lui-Ngai-Ni 2021 was to be organized by United Naga Council but due to the situation arising out of the pandemic, UNC decided to conduct the program in each Naga hill districts while he emphasized the need to preserve the distinct Naga culture inherited even in modern era. While declaring that this day marks the beginning of seed sowing in the state, the Guest of Honour exhorted the need for unity, love and spirit in helping one another. There will be limitation in our lives but we ought to motivate one another, he said.
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Also speaking at the festival, Armstrong Pame, DC Tamenglong urged the festival attendees to bring forth the beautiful Naga culture and leave the bad culture of the past. He urged for the promotion and showcase of the rich tradition of the Nagas among which Lui-Ngai-Ni is very important. Pame also put forth an invitation to conduct this festival next year in Tamenglong Lower Ground.
Tingku of the program also blessed the year and distributed seeds to the four constituent presidents of Joint Tribe Council. The program was celebrated with traditional dances from different dance troupes, folk songs, traditional musical display and traditional way of making fire. Lui Ngai Ni Marathon Race was also conducted in the early hour of the celebration day.
AC Tamenglong, Rohit, SDO Tamenlong, Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari, SDO Tousem Sub, Paul Nangsha, Kartik Malladi, Additional SP Tamenglong, Kajaigai Gangmei ADM Tamenglong, K Liangpibou, Spokesperson ADC Tamenglong, CPL Guangta, ADC Tamenglong, Micah Panmei Executive Member, ADC Tamenglong were among the officials who attend the program.
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