Benreului Baudi celebrates Lamsimngyi festival

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 31: Benreului Baudi celebrated Lamsimngyi, one of the premier festivals of the Zeliang tribe, today at Benreu village under Peren district. The festival, which was celebrated with pomp and gaiety, also marked the 50th year of the recognition of the festival by the Government of Nagaland. Speaking on the significance of the festival, Heirang Lungalang, Secretary of the celebration committee, recalled that Lamsimngyi festival was declared as a restricted holiday for Zeliang Nagas on this day by the then Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, SC Deb, in 1966. The then Deputy Commissioner graced the festival celebration as the chief guest in Benreu village, it was informed. Lamsimngyi, also known as Kwapwangyi, is a festival of rekindling of the loving relationship between parents and married daughters/sons families; between families of sisters and brothers; and between family of married niece and the chosen maternal uncle’s family; and competition in games and sports for boys and youth. On the first day, they cook the best delicacies and share it with each other’s’ family which is called Kwakpwa and Hetamram, Lungalang said.In some villages, day-one of the festival belongs to the brides, who gather and spend and enjoy the day for the last time before finally turning into a woman. Also, the womenfolk, according to their age groups, gathers in groups and enjoy the day in each other’s company, while the menfolk look after the household chores and take care of the children. [caption id="attachment_81245" align="alignleft" width="300"] A section of the gathering during Lamsimngyi festival at Benreu village on October 31.[/caption] The second day is given to the young boys and men, who compete in various games and sports. In the run up to the competition for games and sports, young boys and men of different clans form groups and take turns to feed each other with fresh meat and partake in the games and sports the entire day. All households maintain abstinence so that no injury or harm befalls anyone when they compete on the day of Lamsim. Women and girls stay indoors, observing the hour for good luck to the male members from their family. However, if death had taken place during the year or domestic animal had given birth the previous night; boys or men of that household do not take part in the competitions and even avoid mingling with the others till the competitions are over. The competitions start with ululating by the whole men folk of the village. After that, young boys and men plough the jumping pit for long jump (Hezwa) competition. When the winner is declared, the youth compete in leaping (Nsau); then high jump (Heram); then shot put (Chugi). Finally, everyone settles down to watch the wrestling competition. The champions in the different disciplines are looked upon with respect by the people as they are considered as persons capable of guarding the village as good and able brave warriors. During the formal function of the celebration today, Benreului Baudi president, Heikim Meru, conveyed greetings while the treasurer of the organising committee, Suipeung, presented the celebration report, which was followed by traditional competitions and presentation awards for the winners. In the evening, band and solo competitions was organised by Benreului Youth Organisation. It was also informed that the organisers will organize a trekking to Paunalwa tomorrow.