Pan-Naga seed-sowing celebration highlights shared cultural identity across states
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will attend the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival in Ukhrul, Manipur, on February 15 morning, organizers informed. The festival, regarded as the collective seed-sowing celebration of Naga tribes, will be held under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) and hosted this year by the Tangkhul Naga Long.
This year’s theme, ”Cultural Renaissance,” focuses on revitalising traditional values, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices while engaging with contemporary expressions of Naga identity.
According to the program schedule, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho will be the guest of honour, while Dinganlung Gangmei, Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee and MLA from Nungba Assembly Constituency, will serve as the main celebrant. Awangbow Newmai, MLA from Tamei, will be the principal celebrant.
Chief Secretary of Manipur Dr Puneet Kumar Goel and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei are expected to deliver greetings during the inaugural session, while MLAs Dr SS Olish and Leishiyo Keishing will address the valedictory programme. Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum will serve as the host for the festival.
Lui-Ngai-Ni, first organized collectively in 1987 following consultations among Naga tribal leaders, is observed annually during the onset of spring to mark the beginning of the agricultural season. The festival is officially recognized as a state holiday in Manipur and has been listed as a tourist festival by the Ministry of Tourism.
Traditional dances, folk songs, cultural performances and ceremonial rituals are expected to be key highlights of the two-day event.
