Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 21 (EMN): The two-day ‘Wangala Mini Hornbill’, a post-harvest thanksgiving festival of the Garo tribe, got underway on Monday at Ekranipathar village, Dimapur.
Speaking on the festive occasion as guest of honour, Azheto Zhimomi, MLA, said the Garo community must not forget the past leaders who have worked hard for the welfare and uplift of their community.
The MLA also said that tradition and culture are a tribe's identity and that when a community or tribe lose their tradition and culture, then their identity will also vanish.
Zhimomi said in order to maintain and preserve their culture and tradition, the community must have unity and urged the gathering to foster unity among themselves.
Zhimomi stated that the previous Wangala festivals under Dimapur district were not included in the state government’s Mini-Hornbill festival list, but that it was made possible through unity of the Garo community.
Special guest of the celebration, Advisor, IT, Science & Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon said the post-harvest festival 'Wangala' is one of the most important festivals of the Garo tribes.
Kikon said the state government has shown its commitment to every community, big or small, in Nagaland by supporting and encouraging all tribal festivals in the state.
Kikon reminded that the government had clearly mentioned and even through words that Garos are an integral and important tribe of Nagaland, and added the community’s aspiration to hold mini- hornbill festival under Dimapur district has been fulfilled under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Kikon added that Garo community being land owners, the community must extend support for the welfare of the people and the state.
The advisor also said that the state government has identified tourism as one of the key sectors, which will change and transform Nagaland and bring dividend to all the citizens.
Kikon further shared that this year’s Hornbill Festival at Kisama, the state is expecting huge number of tourists and that the state is more than ready to welcome the tourists and ensure that the “biggest festival in the country will once again shine and make the state proud.”
Highlights of the celebration included Wangala dance performed by Dubagaon and Ekranipathar villages, indigenous games, folk songs, folk drama and various stalls displaying Garo costumes, cuisines and heritage.
Sumi cultural troupe also performed on the occasion.