The Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 was held from 18 to 21 November at Makuiluangdi, the ancestral village of the Zeliangrong people. The second edition of the festival was organised by the Luangdimai Citizens Forum with the theme “Malanwangbo” meaning “Return of the Native”.
The event symbolised a collective homecoming of Luangdimai people from different regions to celebrate heritage, community and unity. One of the key highlights was the symbolic re enactment of the Naga dispersal from Makhel, co hosted by the Mao Council and the Luangdimai Citizens Forum on 18 November.
The festival further included an Ultra Trail Expedition consisting of a trail run, cycling, motorbiking and a car rally from Makhel, the Naga ancestral homeland, to Makuiluangdi Village in present day Senapati district of Manipur. The expedition was flagged off by village leaders at Makhel, where the chief lit a ceremonial torch. The route followed the legendary path believed to have been taken by the ancestors before eventually establishing the Luangdimai civilization at Makuiluangdi, turning the journey into a tribute to history, memory, adventure and cultural pride.
A major feature of the festival was the Luangdimai Village Stone Piling Ceremony in which more than 600 villages from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and other northeastern regions brought engraved stones bearing their village names. These were placed on the hallowed ground believed to be the original settlement site, symbolising unity, shared origin and the return of the native.
Cultural dances by troupes from the Zeliangrong Heraka Association of Assam and Nagaland and Tingkao Raguang Chapriak of Manipur were showcased.
The festival theme song Wibo Luangdiram was performed by students of Highland National College. Traditional attire, indigenous food, beverages, handicrafts, herbal medicines, books and artworks were displayed, allowing visitors to reconnect with traditional knowledge and aesthetics. Youth focused events including folk song competitions, traditional sports and arts contests added to the celebrations.
Mr. Dinganglung Gangmei IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee and MLA Nungba reminded the gathering of their shared history and resilience. He said, “Luangdimai/Zeliangrong people are now spread across three different states, yet our emotion and spirit remain as one.” Dr. Johny Ruangmei stressed the need for unity across boundaries. The closing ceremony included flag dehoisting led by Dr. Samuel Pamei and a vote of thanks by Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei acknowledging the contributions of community leaders, cultural groups and supporters.
The convenor K. Elu Ndang said the call of Malanwangbo remains a spiritual summons connecting the people with their roots and identity.