Kohima, October 26 (MTNews): Advisor for Art & Culture and Tourism, Khehovi Yepthomi said today that Naga people have rich and unique culture with different languages and traditions and stressed that everyone must strive to protect the unique culture and traditions.
Speaking at the Tribal Festival organized by the Nagaland Art & Culture Department in commemoration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in Kohima, Yepthomi said that Naga society is in danger of losing their identity and culture and urged everyone to encourage each other and teach the younger generation the ways of their culture by organizing such events. He also encouraged the people to form cultural clubs and have cultural exchange programs.
He expressed happiness to witness the cultural troupes from different tribes at the state capital to celebrate the Tribal Festival, which was held under the theme “Igniting Cultural Traditions” at Amphitheatre, Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima.
Yepthomi said that the government of Nagaland introduced the Hornbill Festival, Mini Hornbill Festivals and tribal festivals to promote and preserve the rich Naga culture. He encouraged the people gathered to make such events “a way of life” and not just a one-time event. He also encouraged everyone to live in harmony and to spread love and kindness.
Secretary, Art & Culture, Athel O. Lotha, IAS in her welcome address said that the Nagas are artistic people having a colorful culture and that it is a representation of the Nagas’ earliest creative experience. She said that these creative activities are found in the physical aspects which are reflected in the folk dances and folk songs. Even though Nagas have similar cultural practices, there are distinctive features which are peculiar to each tribe, she added.
Athel said that the main objective of the department of Art & Culture is to preserve, promote and propagate all forms of culture and arts in order to protect and project the cultural ethos of the community and hoped that this type of festivals will serve as a reliable source of information and ignite in reviving the rich culture of Nagas.
Director, Art & Culture, Adela Moa in her concluding remarks said that the Department of Art & Culture had organized “Tribal festivals” in ten districts where the department of Art & Culture offices are located and that today’s event was the culmination of all the events.
During the occasion, SunepLemtur, recipient of Governor’s Award (Music) 2021 presented a special number which was followed by cultural performances by the following 15 (fifteen) cultural troupes: Angami (Kevira Cultural Troupe, Kohima Village); Ao (Waromong Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Chakhesang (Dzülhami Cultural Troupe, Kohima), Chang (Chang Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Khiamniungan ( Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Konyak (Konyak Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Lotha(Lotha Cultural Group, Kohima); Phom (Phom Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Pochury (Pochury Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Rengma (Tesophenyu Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Sangtam (Sangtam Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Sumi (Shena Old Cultural Club, Kohima); Tikhir (Tikhir Cultural Troupe, Kohima); Yimkhiung (YimkhiungBeru Cultural group, Kohima); Zeliang (Benreu Students’ Union Kohima Dance Cultural Troupe)