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Dimapur, Nov. 1 (EMN): Zeliang community in Peren district celebrated ‘Chaga Gadi and Lamsimngyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival’ with traditional fervour in Tening town on October 31 on the theme “Rekindling our culture.” The celebration was organised the Liangmai Council Nagaland and the advisor of Water Resources, Namri Nchang, as the chief host.
The Chaga Gadi of the Liangmai is a festival of purification or sanctification and dedication. During the festival, men folk observe strict abstinence from physical indulgence to sanctify themselves for good fortune in the coming year. The festival commences on the twenty-seventh day of the lunar month called Chagahiu (October). The sanctification ritual entailed men folk to consume food cooked separately by themselves with new fire made in a traditional way and no involvement of womenfolk in their affairs.
Lamsimngyi is one of the most popular Zeliang festivals which is celebrated with pomp and gaiety usually during the last part of October or early November. It is also a festival of rekindling the loving relationships between parents and married daughters/ son’s families, between families of sisters and brothers; and between the family of married niece and the chosen maternal uncle’s family; and competition of games and sports for boys and youth, stated a DIPR report.
Speaking on the occasion, Namri Nchang, stressed on the need to preserve one's unique identity and rich cultural heritage. Namri felt that leaving behind many good traditional and cultural practices could disturb the fabric of the community.
He emphasised that people should start re-orienting their practices as it would result in the unity of people through festivals like Chaga Gadi and Lamsimngyi festival to help rebuild the lost practices.
NZPO president, Kevipelie, has highlighted on the significance of Chaga Gadi and Lamsimngyi, while the ADC of Jalukie, TL Kiusumong, delivered the keynote address.
Cultural dances and traditional songs were performed by the Old Tesen cultural troupe, Tening village cultural troupe, Nzau village cultural troupe, Nsong village cultural troupe, Old Nkio village cultural troupe and Nchangram village cultural troupe. A special presentation was performed by Makuilongdi Lun Choir.
Later in the evening, athletic events were also organised followed by a cultural session and Chaga-vaganza nite.
The second day programme on November 1 was graced by retired commissioner and secretary of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Benjamin Newmai.
Highlights of the programme include playing indigenous games like shot-put, long jump and marathon race.