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DIMAPUR — The Konyak community celebrated the post harvest festival ‘Lao-Ong Mo’ at Mon town public ground with traditional fervour on September 28.
‘Lao-ong Mo’ is a significant cultural event for the Konyak community, marking the celebration of a bountiful harvest and the coming together of people to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, stated a DIPR report.
The Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal East Constituency, Tapir Gao, attended the celebration as the as special guest. He was accompanied by the Nagaland lone Rajya Sabha MP, S Phangnon Konyak, advisor W Chingang Konyak and MLA Manpon Konyak.
Report stated that the chief guest was accorded traditional welcome by cultural troupes and ward representative with blowing of horn and beating of log drum. It stated that the MP inaugurated the festival by beating of gong.
Speaking at the celebration programme, Tapir Gao encouraged the Konyak community to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage, which according to him, signify their identity.
Besides emphasising the importance of health and education, the MP called upon the community to strive for eradication of drug menace among the younger generation without depending on the government alone.
During the celebrations, a traditional song titled ‘Kongkihlahhav Ünglak” was presented by Wakching unit of Konyak unit, while a presentation on indigenous musical instrument titled ‘Puyim Keangph Üt Hem’ was presented by Tanhai village.
Cultural songs were also presented by members of Mon Town Students’ Union, Wagiem Ward KNSK and Sheanghah Union Mon Town.
The president Konyak Union, Tingtok Konyak, delivered the welcome address, while a brief note on Lao-ong Mo was presented by Wanshi Phongnyu.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Y Pongba.
The other highlights of the programme included display of indigenous games such as fire-making, spear throw, wool spinning and rice grinding.