The Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, organised a one-day programme on “Sharing of Concept on Living Morung, Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Healing Practices, and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge” today, April 20, at the Council Hall, Hovishe Village, Niuland. The programme was conducted to document, promote, and safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of Naga communities.
The event began with an opening prayer by Kaliho Awomi, Women Pastor, followed by a folk song presented by the residents of Hovishe Village.
In the welcome address, Teisovikuolie Therie, Deputy Director of Art & Culture, spoke on the concept of the “Living Morung” and traditional knowledge systems. He stated that the morung remains a vital institution for transmitting indigenous knowledge—including traditional healing practices and medicinal wisdom—from elders to younger generations. He added that the Department is creating a digital repository of such knowledge to ensure its preservation.
Kasheto T. Holo, attending as the Special Guest, addressed the gathering and shared a Morung Narration on the role of the village council and traditional institutions in preserving healing practices. The cultural segment featured a folk tale narration by Atoni Holo and a folk dance by Kuhoxu Village, reflecting the link between orature, community life, and indigenous health practices.
The main technical session on traditional healing and medicinal knowledge was led by two resource persons. Dr. Hokuto (GB), acting as the Knowledge and Identification Lead, spoke on the identification of medicinal plants and traditional diagnostic methods, assisted by Anghukali Jimomi and Kihikali Jimomi. Vikheyi Awomi, of Hukhayi Village, serving as the Practice and Preparation Lead, demonstrated preparation methods and practices, assisted by Botovi Awomi and Vikato Awomi.
Following lunch, a two-hour demonstration on traditional healing and practices related to medicinal and cultural use was conducted by the resource teams.
The programme concluded with an open discussion and experience-sharing session, followed by the distribution of certificates by Deputy Director Teisovikuolie Therie. The vote of thanks was proposed by Katoho Holo, Hd. GB. A photo session was also held with all participants and resource persons.
The event highlighted the rich repository of indigenous medicinal knowledge and traditional healing systems practiced in Naga villages. Documentation from the programme will be archived by the Department as part of its initiative to protect and promote traditional knowledge.
The Department of Art & Culture regularly conducts such programmes across Nagaland to strengthen cultural identity and ensure the intergenerational transmission of traditional wisdom. The programme was successfully conducted with 150 participants from Hovishe, Kuhoxu, and Hokuto villages.