Angamis celebrate Sekrenyi festival: It’s time to renew friendship, says Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi

The Angami tribe celebrated its premier Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage village in Kohima on Saturday. It was organised by Angami Public Organisation (APO).

Former APO president, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, who attended the occasion as guest of honour, called for community effort to preserve and protect the rich ecosystem and beautiful landscape the Angamis have been blessed with.

It is time to recount the faithfulness of God and to appreciate the gifts, he told the gathering.

Speaking about the significance of Sekrenyi, he said the forefathers celebrated the festival and passed it on to generations though people have embraced different religions today, adding that it is befitting to upkeep the culture for prosperity.

Read: Sekrenyi-cum-mini hornbill festival celebration on Feb. 25

He maintained that in the past, Sekrenyi was celebrated to seek deity’s blessings for prosperity, a time to unite, strengthen bonds among families and renewing friendships besides merrymaking among peer groups.

Seleyi reminded that the occasion is also a time to share and discuss what culture considers 'shame' or 'heavenly forbidden' for the society to grow.

The guest of honour also released a souvenir published in commemoration of the APO golden jubilee held last year.

Chaired by APO president Razouvotuo Chatsu, the event also saw a folk song presentation by Lidi Kro-u and vote of thanks proposed by Zadeho Rikha, vice-president APO (Judicial). Kisama, Feb. 25 (EMN)