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Winner of Aowli festival women tug-of-ward Aongza (blue jersey) competing with Alempang team in the final match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on December 7.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Dec. 7 (EMN): Ao traditional games and sports come to life at the ongoing Aowli Benjongmong festival organised by Watsu Mungdang, apex Ao women organisation, which began on December 6 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung town.
The second day of the festival witnessed an intense tug-of-war competition between women of 18 Wards of Mokochung town on Friday. Tug of war is one of the popular games among the Ao community. The show of strength among the womenfolk attracted lots of audience.
The final match lasted about 20 minutes, wherein womenfolk of Aongza overpowered Alempang women team in both the first and second rounds to take the title.
The tug-of-war event is an indigenous game played by all Naga tribes since the olden days. It focuses on strength, stamina and strategy.
The Aowli Benjongmong 2018 kicked off with much with fervour at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on December 6. The three-day festival is being organised by Watsu Mungdang. It was officially declared opened by Aolemla, retired additional development commissioner.
Speaking on the occasion, Aolemla has appreciated Watsu Mundang for the commendable job by conceptualising Aowli festival to promote the colourful Ao culture and traditions, display its unique customs, rituals and practices as well as preserve its heritage.
The first day began with indigenous games competition between the 18 Wards in Mokokchung town.
In the indigenous games competitions, Alempang Ward was adjudged as the winner of both stilt bamboo walking and catapult shooting event, while Yimyu and Penli Wards were declared the runner-ups at stilt bamboo walking and catapult shooting respectively. In the spear throwing event, Salangtem Ward was declared the winner and Marepkong Ward bagged the runners-up prize.
More than 100 plus stalls displaying numerous handicrafts, loin loom, pottery, multi-cuisines, local food stalls, flower show and sales and fun games have been opened for visitors. Visitors also tried their hands on traditional art of weaving, yarn making, dyeing and spinning, pottery making, basketry and other handiworks at the demonstration stalls.
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School students displaying “MKG” (Mokokchung) during the opening act of the inaugural programme of Aowli Benjongmong 2018 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Thursday.[/caption]
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