Across Naga society, traditional festivals are rooted in agriculture. They mark the rhythms of sowing, cultivation and harvest, and reflect a time when communities depended directly on the land. Culture, in this sense, is inseparable from farming and the values that sustained it.
Today, these festivals continue to be observed with enthusiasm and pride. Preserving tradition is important. Yet, preservation cannot be limited to attire, song and ceremony alone. The deeper values of self reliance, hard work and respect for the land must also find place in present practice.
The reality, however, is starkly different. With the rise of a market economy, agriculture has steadily declined as a primary occupation. A growing share of what is consumed is brought in from outside. From meat and fish to vegetables and even rice, dependence has become the norm. Government support in the form of subsidized or free foodgrains has eased immediate needs but has also reinforced this dependency.
Reversing this trend will not be easy. The fact that the problem persists despite multiple agriculture and allied departments within the state government shows how complex the challenge is.
Structural issues, changing aspirations and economic pressures all play a role. Still, the question cannot be avoided. A society that once sustained itself through its own land now finds it difficult to meet basic needs independently.
Moatsü, like many such festivals, offers a moment for reflection. It is not only a celebration of identity but a reminder of origins. If the festival is to remain meaningful, it must inspire a return to its core values. The future of our society may well depend on how seriously that reminder is taken.