Sangtam community celebrates Mungmung festival

DIMAPUR — The Mungmung festival of the Sangtam community was celebrated on September 2 with cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and community gatherings.

In Dimapur, the Sangtam Chare Area observed the festival at Mandeville Garden, Purana Bazaar. According to a press release, the event was led by Convenor Sejongmong and Secretary Dr. Rilipong.

The Mungmung festival, a cornerstone of the Sangtam community's cultural calendar, is traditionally observed to preserve and promote the unique heritage, folklore, and social values passed down through generations, it said.

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In his opening address, Sejongmong emphasised the critical importance of such gatherings. "In a time of rapid change, festivals like Mungmung are not merely celebrations, they are the very pillars that sustain our identity. They connect our youth to their roots and remind us all of the strength we derive from our shared culture and unity," he stated.

It featured traditional folk dances that told stories of valour, love, and harvest. Troupes of artists in traditional attire performed renditions of folk songs, dramatic presentations, and short skits depicting folklore, moral tales, and historical events significant to the community.

The event saw an attendance of around 2,000 people from all walks of life. The co-convenor, in his concluding remarks, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event's success.

In Kohima, the Sangtam Students’ community of St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama, marked the festival at Camp Easy on the theme “Rooted in tradition, soaring to new heights”.

Achumti Mongzar, vice president of ENSU, spoke on the significance of Mungmung.

The guest speaker, Longtili C Sangtam, president of Sangtam Students’ Union Kohima (SSUK), in his address emphasised that tradition with progress should be the way forward.

He highlighted that celebrating festivals like Mungmung should not only be about rituals but also about reflecting on how culture and environment can coexist in harmony. He stressed the importance of sustainable practices—stating that from the way we live, we can always start with what we already have.

Longtili also reminded the students that in today’s fast-changing world, one must learn to adapt with new skills while keeping cultural roots strong. He pointed out that digital platforms and artificial intelligence can play a vital role in preserving and recording traditions such as songs, dances, and indigenous knowledge.

He said that festivals like Mungmung is not just celebrations of the past; they provide opportunities to inspire the future. He also urged students to become responsible carriers of culture while preparing themselves to contribute meaningfully in different sectors of society.

NPF extends greetings

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has extended greetings to the Sangtam community on the occasion of the Mungmung festival.

In a press release issued by the party, it described the festival as a time of thanksgiving and togetherness, reflecting the blessings of God, the richness of tradition, and the spirit of unity.

The NPF conveyed prayers that the festival would bring peace, prosperity, and harmony to every home and strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among all communities.