The second edition of the Cosmos (Nraipa) cum Lekie Cai Festival began at Peletkie village in Peren district on October 10, showcasing indigenous traditions, local products and economic opportunities. Organised by Lekie Mtei Nko (LMN), the apex body of Peletkie, Deukwaram and Lekieram villages, the 11-day festival will continue until October 20.
Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, attended the inaugural programme as special guest on behalf of the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, who holds the portfolios of Planning and Transformation and National Highways.
Meru commended the organisers for showcasing indigenous heritage, particularly through a live demonstration of traditional salt preparation, which enabled visitors to observe the process without travelling to the remote extraction sites.
Highlighting the popularity gained by the village’s cosmos plantations through social media promotion, he encouraged villagers to preserve their traditions while using digital platforms to strengthen the local economy.
Describing Lekie Cai as a valued local product, Meru urged the community to develop plans to modernise and expand salt production and pursue geographical indication (GI) recognition to improve its market potential. He also assured administrative support and encouraged youths to pursue entrepreneurship, hard work and self-employment, noting that government jobs had reached saturation.
The inaugural programme featured an invocation by Lekie Baptist Church pastor Peusibe Kenn, a keynote address by organising committee chairman Dilam Haisobe, a traditional salt song by Suihakpe Miliang and a cosmos song by Indule and Ramyiheing Chamlak. LMN general secretary Iliegongbe Miliang delivered remarks, while Lekie Mtei Mission Board chairman Namhingheing Disong offered the benediction.
The festival features local food and tea stalls, organic vegetable markets and campsites for visitors.
