EMN
DIMAPUR, APRIL 4
Aoleang, the premier festival of the Konyak-Nagas, was celebrated today in the local ground of Mon town.
Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, YM Yollow was the chief guest of the celebrations while Deputy Commissioner of Mon district, Honje Konyak was the guest of honor. In his address, YM Yollow expressed hope that one day Aoleang would be celebrated outside Mon district. That way the culture of the Konyak people would be spread to others as well, he said.
The deputy commissioner of Mon also encouraged the elders of the community to ensure that they pass traditional knowledge and ‘wisdom’ to the younger generation.
The highlights of the festival included traditional dances and songs from various civil organizations such as the Aboi Union, Chen Union, Chi Union, Hongphoi Union, Leangha Union, Leangnyu Union, Longkei Union, Longwa Union, Mon Union, Moka Union, Shang Union, Sheanghah Union, Tang union, Tizit Area Union, Tobu Area Union Totok Union, Wakching area union.
Citizens’ Factfile: Know the Aoleang festival
The entire Konyak Community of Nagaland, observes Aoleong Monyu in the first week of Aoleong Lee (April) every year since time immemorial. Aoleang is observed after completion of sowing of seeds in the new fields and to marks the end of the old year and to welcome the new year beginning with spring when a riot of flowers in every hue start to bloom.
1. The first day is called "HOI LAI YAH NYIH" which means the preparation day of the Aoleong Monyu. On this day every arrangement is made for the Aoleaong, like collection of firewood, banana leaves, vegetables etc. The rice beer is also stored on this day. New clothes are woven and all necessary ornament are prepared. On this day, the head of the family goes to the jhum field and sacrifices a chicken and sprinkles its hot blood on the "WUMJONG" altar with an invocation to the supreme Power for helping to grow crops well. By taking out the intestine, he predicts the future of his family. A leg of chicken with food is given to the neighbour of the new jhum field of that year. The food is carefully put into leaves and brought home and given to the family members after the prayers and ceremony. On that day also, a stage called "Aoleang WAKAM" is constructed in every "PANS" Morungs for the dancing parties.
2. The second day is called "YIM MOK PHO NYIH" The domestic animals like Buffaloes, Mithuns, Cows and Pigs etc. have to be searched and roped in and tethered to a past to be killed during the Aoleang. In addition to that young boys those who have not yet joined in head hunting were taken to the jungles for proxy head hunting . On their return from the jungles, the next day, young boys and girls have to be tabooed on that day.
3. The third day is called "YIM MOK SHEK NYIH" which means the day for killing of animals. On this day, the green signal for the start of the festival is given by hosting of well decorated Bamboo Flag "KOIPHONG" Right after the hosting the young men start playing the logdrum and go to their own houses to kill the animals.
4. The fourth day is called "LINGNYU NYIH" which means the great day amongst the six days of Aoleang Monyu. On this day, men and women wear beautiful ornaments and spend the whole day in community feasts, amusements, dances and merry making.
5. The fifth day is called "LINGHA NYIH". This day is observed by honoring each other ; the old men are honoured by the young ; young boys and their parents call on their married sisters and daughter’s respectively and after them best feasts ; married daughters also visit their parents and offer them the best feasts; married daughters also visit and offer grand feasts to their parents. On this day families of the dead visit the burial sites of their dead relatives and pay their last homage to the departed souls.
6. The sixth day is called "LINGSHAN NYIH" which means final day of the Aoleang Monyu. The day is spent in cleaning the village and houses which were made dirty during the Aoleang Days. (source:nagaland.nic.in)
