Many traditional Naga festivals have undergone significant transformation over the years. In contemporary times, Christianity has deeply influenced Naga culture. For instance, the Ao Naga festival, Moatsu, is now often celebrated in its Christianized form. Organizations now lead the festivities, replacing many of the original animistic rituals with prayer, cultural songs and dances infused with Christian themes, community feasts, sports events, and exhortations centered on gratitude, unity, and God’s blessings.
One of the most respected elders in our community once shared a profound observation that has stayed with me: “Diwali without the Hindu religious element has no meaning.” He continued, saying that Moatsu – the traditional festival of the Ao Nagas – is not truly Moatsu without the indigenous beliefs, customs, and rituals that originally shaped it. Just as Diwali is incomplete without remembering Lord Rama’s return and the triumph of light over darkness, Moatsu loses its essence when detached from the beliefs and values that sustained it for generations.
Understanding the Core of Celebrations
This reflection prompts a deeper question about the distinction between religious and cultural festivals. In many communities, the two are closely intertwined, yet fundamentally different. A religious festival is an act of worship and devotion – a sacred offering to God or gods. It nurtures spiritual discipline, reverence, and obedience. A cultural festival, on the other hand, celebrates tradition, lifestyle, food, and art. It is largely communal, festive, and increasingly commodified for tourism and commercial gain.
Despite these distinctions, festivals of all kinds play a vital role in strengthening the social fabric. They unite people across generations and social divides, providing space for reunions, reconciliation, and shared joy. More than just colorful events, they help communities affirm their identity, values, and sense of belonging. Through traditional attire, folk music, dance, and rituals, people not only celebrate their tradition but also renew their connection to their roots.
The Rising Challenges
However, even as we affirm the value of festivals, we must confront their darker sides. The commercialization of festivals often strips them of their original meaning. The focus shifts from substance to spectacle. Many feel excluded – whether due to financial constraints, lack of access, or the way certain groups dominate the narrative. Excessive feasting, alcohol consumption, and food waste often mar the spirit of celebration. For families with limited income, the pressure to meet societal expectations can lead to unnecessary financial strain or even debt.
The Revival Movement
In Nagaland, we are witnessing a revival of tribal festivals. Age-old customs are being reintroduced, and newer events like the Hornbill Festival are gaining momentum. These festivals have become cultural showcases and economic engines, drawing tourists, media attention, and investment. On the surface, this may seem like a welcome development – celebrating heritage while promoting local livelihoods.
But as a concerned citizen, I must ask: Why this sudden enthusiasm? Why the consistent government support, generous funding, and media amplification? Is this driven purely by cultural pride – or is there a deeper agenda at play?
The truth is, culture is increasingly politicized. Festivals become platforms for image-building, vote-seeking, and influence-peddling. High-profile dignitaries make grand speeches, photo opportunities abound, and subtle narratives are crafted to win hearts – and ballots. Celebrating culture is not wrong – far from it – but we must not be blind to how cultural identity can be co-opted for political purposes.
As citizens in a democracy – and more importantly, as Christians – we must remain alert. Enjoying our traditions does not mean endorsing every motive behind their promotion. We must question actions, discern intentions, and ask whether our heritage is being honored or merely used.
Revival or Repackaging?
Today, talk of cultural revival and preservation is everywhere. But it’s time to ask: What exactly are we reviving? Is it only the outward expressions – attire, rituals, and performances? Or should revival also mean a return to the moral and spiritual values that once defined our communities?
I would argue for the latter. The culture of hospitality, for example, is more essential than the culture of excessive feasting. True hospitality is about kindness, generosity, and warmth. It’s not just about food – it’s about providing safety, shelter, and care, especially to the weak and those in need. In our traditional societies, hospitality was a sacred duty. Let’s bring that back.
Likewise, the culture of respect is more valuable than the culture of intoxication – whether with liquor or with power. Sadly, modern celebrations often glorify excess, dominance, and social clout. True revival should uplift humility, dignity, and mutual regard. When we respect one another – regardless of status or background – we build a society rooted in compassion, not competition.
And perhaps most importantly, we must remember the less fortunate. What good is our tradition if it overlooks the hungry, the unemployed, or the marginalized? Festivals should not be exercises in self-indulgence. Instead, our abundance should overflow into acts of service. A true celebration uplifts the weary, feeds the hungry, and clothes the naked.
In short, cultural revival must go deeper than rituals or aesthetics. It must reflect a moral awakening – one that prioritizes people over pomp, relationships over rituals, and justice over indulgence.
A Call for Spiritual Discernment
As followers of Christ, we are called to an even higher standard. The Holy Bible repeatedly warns us to be spiritually alert. While governments may have visible agendas, the enemy of our souls works in subtle ways – through distraction, compromise, and deception. What begins as cultural pride can easily evolve into a celebration of values that oppose Scripture. Entertainment, tradition – even culture – can become tools of spiritual drift.
That’s why discernment is not optional. As Ephesians 5:11 exhorts, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” And 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” These are not mere suggestions – they are mandates for vigilance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – let us celebrate culture. Let us rejoice in our identity and honor our heritage. But let us do so with wisdom, integrity, and spiritual clarity. Let us question the motives behind the spectacles. Let us revive what is noble, discard what is harmful, and above all, remain faithful to the truth of God’s Word.
Culture should not lead us away from faith. Rather, our faith should inform the way we engage with our culture. Only then can we truly say we are preserving – not just performing – our heritage.
~ Meyu Changkiri