The Makuiluangdi Festival 2025, organized by the Luangdimai Citizens’ Forum in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and sponsored by the North Eastern Council, began on November 18 at Makhel, Manipur. The festival, held from November 18 to 22, celebrates Naga heritage at one of the community’s most historically significant sites.
Speaking at the inaugural event, K Elu Ndang, Convener of the Central Organizing Committee, described Makhel as “the ancient cradle of our civilization” and a place that “anchors us to our past and guides our future.” He said the theme of the festival centered on the idea of a “return of the native,” which he called not merely symbolic, but “a deep, spiritual imperative.”
Ndang emphasized that returning to Makhel represents three crucial journeys for the Naga community. The first is a return to unity, reminding participants that “before we became different tribes or districts, we were one people.” He noted that the call to gather at Makhel is also a reminder to heal divisions and strengthen the bonds that predate present-day differences.
The second is a return to cultural preservation and strength. Ndang described Naga culture as a fortress built on language, tradition, customary governance and shared values. He called on families and communities to ensure that identity is protected through everyday practice, observing that cultural expression must go beyond display and must serve as an act of resilience.
The third dimension is responsibility. Ndang stated that a true native is “not a spectator but a native with a burden, a purpose and a responsibility” to pass on the legacy with integrity. He urged leaders to continue guiding the people with commitment and justice and encouraged the youth to blend traditional wisdom with modern opportunities.
The keynote concluded with a pledge for collective responsibility and stewardship. “Let us leave this sacred ground not just as attendees of a festival, but as reawakened natives,” Ndang said, calling for unity, purpose and continuity of the Naga spirit across generations.
