A vibrant cultural programme was held on November 15 at Longwa, an Indo-Myanmar border village in Mon District. The event was organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Art and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
The initiative aimed to foster cultural exchange, unity, and the preservation of indigenous identity among border communities near the international boundaries with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, along with the eight Northeastern states of India.
Er Thanyalo Kath, Sub Divisional Officer, Power Department, Mon, attended as the guest of honour and emphasised the need to sustain traditional values, cultural expressions, and inter-community relationships. He commended the efforts of NEZCC and the Art and Culture Department for hosting the programme in a region of strategic cultural significance.
The event featured six cultural performances presented by troupes from Longwa Village and Nyahnyu Village. These performances showcased the rich heritage and artistic legacy of the region, each bringing forward unique rhythms, traditional attire, and folklore. “Each performance brought forward the distinct rhythm, attire, and folklore unique to the communities,” said Teisovikuolie Therie, Deputy Director cum Nodal Officer, Art and Culture Department, Nagaland.
Earlier, Peter Thanghoi Thai, District Cultural Officer, Mon, delivered an introductory message, outlining the event’s goals under the Vibrant Villages initiative, which focuses on cultural preservation and community engagement in remote border areas.
The programme’s inaugural ceremony was chaired by W Kaiwang Konyak, Assistant Research Officer, Art and Culture Department, Mon, while S Yona, Pastor, Longwa Baptist Church, offered a prayer for the event.