Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Dec. 14 (EMN): The 3rd Winter Night Carnival in Mokokchung town began on Wednesday evening with a dazzling array of outdoor activities at the town’s square organised by the Adventured and Motorsport Association Mokokchung (AMAM).
The event began with a Christmas carol parade presented by the Class of Music, following the inauguration by Imnaonen Pongen, president of Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT), as the special guest.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, the special guest has termed as a noble initiative, which virtually brought the country and the world to a grinding halt for two years following the COVID-19 pandemic. He also recalled that during the past two years, many have lost their near and dear ones besides affecting the economy which was yet to recover.
“Those two years of extraordinary times tested us to the brim, but yet by the grace of the Almighty God and our resilience and cooperation with the authorities and among the citizens, we are here today,” Pongen said.
He expressed hope that the carnival would herald the joy of Christmas and heal their hearts and souls. He also expressed hope that the few days of festivity would once again infuse the feeling of brotherhood among the citizens and foster the feeling of belonging to the beautiful town.
“I hope that this carnival would be the stepping stone for us to rise up from the ashes of the pandemic and rebuild our town and our lives,” he asserted.
He suggested the MMC to identify enterprising youth and encourage them by giving licenses and explore ways and means to open their own stalls in and around the town throughout the year.
“I am sure that it can lessen the unemployment problem in our society and would ultimately lead to a self- reliant and prospering society,” he opined.
AMAM’s objectives are to enable entrepreneurs to grow in their businesses by equipping them with marketing and business skills through a do-and-learn method via the Winter Night Carnival.
Besides promoting local entrepreneurs and artisans, the carnival also provides recreational experiences for families, the organisers said.
Around 50 stalls including food stalls, games, artist point and other outdoor activities are opened by various groups and individuals, the organisers informed.