Women participating in the traditional rice husking competition
during Moatsü festival at Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung town on
Thursday.
MOKOKCHUNG — Moatsü,
the premier festival of the Ao community marking the end of the sowing season,
commenced with much fervour at Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on
Thursday.
Organised by Ao Senden in collaboration with Ao legislators
and the Government of Nagaland, the festival opened with a powerful message of
cultural introspection and renewal, attended by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker
of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), as the special invitee.
In his address, Longkumer urged the Ao community to seek
divine blessings for two key aspects: gratitude for their blessings and a
critical reflection on their current stature and future path.
“We must not derail from the vision bestowed upon us,” he
said, highlighting the Ao community’s pioneering role in Naga society.
As the first to embrace Christianity in Nagaland, he stated
that the Aos have led advancements in education, sports, music, arts, public
service and political leadership, sharing these blessings with other Naga
communities.
“Our pioneers—qualified intellectuals and scholars—sowed the
seeds of progress, and today we reap the fruits,” he noted, expressing hope
that the Ao community will continue serving Nagaland in diverse capacities.
Longkumer has called for introspection, warning that
progress often leads to forgetting cherished blessings.
“We’ve become victims of our desires, confusing them with
needs,” he cautioned and urged the community to align with the principles and
values set by their forefathers.
Reflecting on his roles as NLA Speaker and chairman of the
District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Mokokchung, he acknowledged the
sacrifices of past and present generations for the Ao and Naga people.
He also noted of the many infrastructure investments dating
back six decades that have become unrecognisable and raised challenges like the
erosion of the Ao language, ethos and declining social values.
Saying that the globalised world has been made smaller by
digitisation and education, Longkumer highlighted the threats to cultural
heritage saying, that “Our rich traditions are on the brink of extinction” and
urged the community to awaken and recommit to their roots during Moatsü.
With Ao Senden nearing its 50th anniversary in five years,
he envisioned the festival as a catalyst for a “resurgent revival,” rooted in
ancestral values and guided by faith to chart a path for future generations.
Addressing state affairs, Longkumer explained Nagaland’s
financial constraints as a revenue-deficit state.
“Of every INR 100 received from the centre, INR 65 goes to
salaries and pensions, INR 15 to debt servicing, INR 15 to medical
reimbursements (CMHIS), leaving just INR 4.75 for 60 to 80 departments,” he
said.
He stressed the need for practical goals, urging judicious
use of infrastructure and development to ensure its longevity for future
generations.
The festival’s opening featured the inauguration of Moatsü
stalls by Longkumer and launch of indigenous games by advisor Imkongmar,
pitting competitors from Mokokchung’s six ranges and municipal wards.
Winners included Merentsungba (Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem)
in spear throwing, Arensung and Tsukisenla (Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem) in Ao
indigenous rice husking and Alemtoshi (Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang) in
bamboo slicing.
The evening’s folksong competition was attended by TN Manen,
advisor of Law and Justice, featuring a special performance from Dreamz
Unlimited.
NPF, MPs convey Moatsu greetings
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has greeted the Ao community
on the occasion of Moatsü festival. It has described Moatsü as a time-honoured
festival that marks the completion of agricultural activities and the beginning
of a period of celebration, rest and fellowship.
NPF also stated that Moatsü is also a moment of
thanksgiving, feasting and the strengthening of communal bonds. NPF has
appreciated the invaluable role of the Ao community in the socio-cultural and
political life of the Naga people. It added that the community’s steadfast
commitment to progress, unity and the preservation of indigenous values
continues to inspire the larger Naga society.
NPF called upon all to reflect on the ideals of harmony,
gratitude and mutual respect that Moatsü represents. It wished that the festive
occasion foster greater understanding and solidarity among all communities and
serve as a beacon of hope and renewal in the collective journey forward.
In another statement, the Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir,
has greeted the Ao community on the occasion of Moatsü festival. He stated that
Moatsü is a time to give thanks for a good harvest and to celebrate the
strength of community, friendship and culture.
As the community celebrates the beautiful tradition, he has
wished happiness to every home, strengthen the bonds between people and inspire
peace and unity among all. He further urged to continue honouring and preserving
the rich heritage while moving forward together with hope and harmony.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, S Phangnon
Konyak, has also greeted the Ao community on the occasion of Moatsü festival.
“This vibrant celebration is a reminder of the deep
importance of preserving our culture, customs and traditions even as we come
together in merriment,” the MP said. She further wished that the Almighty bless
them all with peace and prosperity.
