Makuiluangdi festival of Zeliangrong tribe concludes

DIMAPUR — The second edition of Makuiluangdi festival of the Zeliangrong community was celebrated at Makuiluangdi, the ancestral village of the Zeliangrong people also known as the Luangdimai, from November 18 to the 21st.

The festival was organised by Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF) on the theme ‘Malanwangbo’ (Return of the native), symbolising the homecoming of Luangdimai people from across regions to their ancestral homeland for a grand celebration of heritage, community and unity.

An update from the organisers stated that a procession, symbolising dispersal of the Nagas from Makhel, was held on November 18, which was co-hosted by the Mao Council and LCF.

Activities of the celebrations included ultra trail expedition comprising run, cycling, motor and car rally from Makhel to Makuiluangdi village hallowed ground (present Senapati district of Manipur).

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The distinctive feature of Makuiluangdi festival 2025 was the Luangdimai stone piling ceremony, where over 600 villages spread across Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and other parts of Northeast India brought stones engraved with their village names, symbolising unity and shared heritage. The stones are piled on the ground from where Luangdimai/ Zeliangrong ancestors are believed to have lived and eventually dispersed to their present habitats in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

The festival also showcased vibrant cultural dance performances from the Zeliangrong Heraka Association of Assam and Nagaland and Tingkao Raguang Chapriak of Manipur.

The theme song ‘Wibo Luangdiram,’ was presented by the students of Highland National College, Kanglatongbi. Display of indigenous crafts, attires, books, herbal medicines and artworks were other highlight of the celebration.

Youth-oriented events such as folk song contests, traditional sports and art competitions were performed to further enliven the celebration.

Retired IAS officer and MLA of Nungba Assembly Constituency, Dinganglung Gangmei, and Dr. Johny Ruangmei, NSDMA joint chief executive officer, Government of Nagaland, spoke in the programme.