On the second day of Moatsü festival, residents, visitors and guests alike came together to celebrate the biggest festival of the Ao Nagas at Imkongmeren Sports complex organized by the apex Ao Senden today. The vibrant and colorful festival was made historically special as all the 14 tribal Hohos of Nagaland were in attendance promoting unity and diversity.
Day two of the Moatsü celebration, called Yatinü or main event, was graced by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio as chief guest and Minister of Rural Development and Nagaland State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Metsubu Jamir as guest of honor.
In his address, Rio lauded the Ao Senden for organizing the festival and commended the apex body for celebrating Moatsü by inviting all the other Naga tribes as one in heart and mind, promoting brotherhood, oneness and unity. Rio said celebration of festivals is a time to showcase the distinctive culture and also a time to build and strengthen community bonding.
While acknowledging that the coming of modernity and Christianity was a good thing, he said that Nagas must nonetheless preserve their identity, adding, “To lose our tradition and culture would mean the loss of our identity.” He encouraged children to be taught about preserving culture and tradition from a young age. Protection, preservation and promotion were the three words he used in keeping culture and tradition relevant.
Rio also called for unity among the Nagas by leaving aside individualism, clanism and tribalism and to embrace “Nagaism” to solve the Naga problem. On the various issues facing Naga society, he said these issues need to be addressed through collective effort.
“Tribal festivals have significant cultural, social & economic value. They are a way of preserving our history which is essential for the future generations. Our children can be educated about our way of life, instilling a sense of pride & identity in them,” he later tweeted.
Meanwhile, the guest of honor in his address encouraged the Ao community to “count the blessings” that God has provided them and to be content with what they have. He also asked them to be more appreciative of each other.
The festival also featured varieties of showcases of the unique Ao cultural heritage, including a cultural dance competition, a folk song by the Riongsanger Putu Menden of Mokokchung Village, a Moatsü folk song by the Watsü Mungdang, the inter-ward tug of war competition and a narration on the significance of Moatsü festival by Lanutemsü, DB.
The program was chaired by Limalenden Longkumer, welcome address delivered by Chubawati Longchar, President, Ao Senden and invocation pronounced by Rev Ponen Longchar, Pastor, Mokokchung Town Baptist Church.
Visitors also enjoyed local food stalls and funfair that were set up at the festival venue.
In the tug-of-war, the final matches of both men’s and women’s categories were played later in the day where Alempang ward emerged winners in both categories. In the men’s category, Alempang won against Salangtem while beating Alongmen in the women’s category.
Other dignitaries in attendance also included G Kaito Aye, Minister Road & Bridges; Salhotonuo Kruse, Minister, Women Resource Development & Horticulture; S Phangnom Konyak, MP Rajya Sabha; Imkongmar Longkumer, Advisor, Sericulture & Minority Affairs; Temjenmenba, Advisor, Transport and Technical Education; and A Pangjung Jamir, Advisor, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource.
The winners of the cultural dance competition were Molungkimong cultural troupe, Tongpang Reju, Tuli and Tazülenden Cultural Society, Mopungchuket who were adjudged first, second and third place winners respectively.
Moatsü greetings were shared by Vezuhu Keyho, President, Chakhesang Public Organization; Nungsanglemba, President, Chang Khulie Setshang; and Nikheto Zhimomi, President, Sumi Hoho.
Overall, day-two of the Moatsü festival was a joyous and colorful celebration of not just Ao culture but also of the diversity and vibrancy of the Nagas as a whole.
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