The eagerly awaited M-Fest (Mokokchung Festival) made its grand return after nearly a decade, officially launching on December 17 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. The festival was inaugurated by Lanuakum Lemtur, Deputy Chair of the Mokokchung Municipal Council, who graced the event as the guest of honor.
Organized by Soundscape Enterprise under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Art and Culture Council (MDACC), and sponsored by Nagaland Mineral & Mines, the event promises to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Ao Naga community.
Lanuakum praised the organizers for introducing a new competition that highlights Ao folk songs, with each of the 18 wards participating. He emphasized the importance of preserving these traditions, noting that Ao Naga history has been passed down through oral traditions, especially folk songs, in the absence of written records. Lanuakum expressed concern about the potential loss of Ao Naga identity, particularly with the rise of AI technology, and called for efforts to document and protect the community’s cultural practices, including taboos, tattooing traditions, cultivation techniques, dialects, and folklore.
On behalf of the Mokokchung Municipal Council, he encouraged festival-goers to enjoy the event responsibly, maintaining a clean and joyous environment.
The event also featured speeches from Ao Senden Secretary, AWUM President Lemasashi, and MDACC’s N Bendang Jamir. The welcome address was delivered by Arenlong Longkumer, Director of Soundscape Enterprise. A special traditional song, “Ward Rang,” was performed by the Fazl Ali College Students’ Union.
Following the speeches, the M-Fest stalls were officially inaugurated by the guest of honor.