The First Naga Baptist Church, Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Texas, organized and launched a Naga cultural exhibition on an international platform for the first time in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, on 7 October 2023.
The main purpose of organizing this event was to share the rich culture of the Nagas with the rest of the world, an update said. Initially, it was planned for a much bigger scale with the intention of inviting some professional Naga artists and Naga leaders from India, but none of them could make it this time because of the unavailability of US visa appointments. “However, with God’s blessing the event was a grand success,” it said.
The occasion was graced by Rev Isaac Jojo, Secretary General of Naga Public Organization, Myanmar as the chief guest. The chief guest in his message exhorted that the Nagas are always one despite the many geographical divisions in the Nagas inhabited areas.
FNBC pastor Mr Lanu Lemtur in his welcome speech said that the Nagas have a rich culture to showcase to the world, but the most important message to share was how they converted from headhunters to soul-winners.
Some of the highlights of the program included ethnic Naga dances, Naga folk songs and exhibition of Naga attires, ornaments, Naga memorabilia and artifacts, and the presentation of delicious Naga food. Mr Kughaho Chishi, founder of Nagaland Chamber Choir, also led the congregation in singing a couple of Naga indigenous songs.
At the end of the event, Mr Chuingachan Shokwungnao, Program Coordinator, Naga Culture Exhibition, in his vote of thanks conveyed gratitude to all the participants and well-wishers of FNBC. He further asserted the importance of “our God given culture” and emphasized that culture and history are the essence of “our knowledge and identity.”