The 3rd Nagaland Photography Festival began today in Yimchalu village, Mokokchung, featuring a dynamic array of events designed to foster creativity and cultural exchange. The three-day festival, organized by the Photography Club Dimapur and hosted by Yimchalu village, kicked off with a variety of activities, including photography workshops, futsal matches, a photo exhibition, and an angling competition.
According to Keyi Putlang, a representative of the Photography Club Dimapur, the uniqueness of this festival lies in its celebration of not only photography but also its search for talent in different fields such as music and games like futsal. The festival also offers workshops in videography and photography with renowned resource persons drawn from various parts of India.
The festival was inaugurated with an opening ceremony graced by Advisor for Law & Justice, TN Mannen. The advisor noted that the 3rd Nagaland Photography Festival is the largest event Yimchalu has hosted. He also emphasized the importance of photography, stating that it has become an integral part of life, an important tool for capturing and preserving memories, and a means for telling stories. He expressed gratitude that the festival is taking place in his assembly constituency.
The Photography Exhibition was inaugurated by Nginyeih Konyak, Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women where she encouraged people to pursue photography as a profession.
The Angling Competition presentation ceremony was attended by MLA and Advisor for Fishery & Aquatic Resources, A Pangjung Jamir, who highlighted the history of fishing and how Nagaland, with its 9 major and 11 minor rivers, has significant potential. He shared that the Nagaland government is focusing on ecotourism with objectives to raise awareness, promote value-added products, encourage conservation, and foster scientific exploration and discovery. He urged anglers to become ‘ethical anglers’. There were 92 competitors, including three females. The first prize was awarded to Toshilemba with a catch of 2.240 kg, Akummoa placed second with 1.634 kg, and Wapang secured third place with 1.19 kg. The highest number of catches was shared between Atsung and Moa, with 22 pieces each.
The Futsal tournament had Benei Lamthiu, MLA and General Secretary of the Nagaland Football Association, as the guest of honor. He announced that Chief Minister Rio has accepted the proposal to start the Nagaland Football League by November.
This, he said, will create 200-300 jobs, benefiting Mokokchung youths among others. He also mentioned that the NFA and AIFF are taking futsal seriously, with the tournament being held district-wise. The district champions will represent Nagaland at the national level.
A total of 28 teams registered for the Futsal tournament.
With two more days to go, the festival promises to offer more engaging activities and an opportunity for participants to connect over art, nature, and sport.
