Traditional Naga festivals, such as Moatsü and Tsüngremmung, have long been the cornerstone of Ao Naga culture, deeply rooted in agriculture. Moatsü marks the completion of sowing seeds, while Tsüngremmung is observed before the harvest, seeking divine blessings for a bountiful harvest, reflecting the natural cycles of farming life. Over time, these celebrations have evolved, incorporating modern elements and even blending with events like the Mini Hornbill Festival. While such changes are inevitable in a world that is constantly shifting, there is a looming concern that the very essence of these festivals – agriculture – could be fading from public consciousness.

It’s undeniable that these festivals have been influenced by contemporary ideas and practices. However, the shift toward modernization comes with risks. Traditionalists and cultural purists may argue that mixing age-old traditions with new-age concepts dilutes their value, but the truth is, without the foundation of agriculture, the relevance of these festivals will continue to diminish. If the core reason for their celebration – agriculture – is no longer understood or practiced, they will lose their significance over time.

Naga culture, language, and festivals are all intricately tied to the land, the seasons, and the cycles of nature. The abandonment of agriculture, as we are witnessing today, is not just a loss of an economic activity; it is the erosion of the very cultural fabric that binds us together. If agriculture is forgotten, so too will the cultural practices and the language that have flourished alongside it. As Padmashree T Senka Ao rightly warned at a recent Ao Riju seminar, “we will become a lost nation” if we allow this disconnection to continue.

It is crucial that we re-examine the relationship between our festivals and the agricultural practices that gave birth to them. In adapting our celebrations, we must remember their roots and preserve their cultural significance. Otherwise, we risk celebrating them as mere performances, divorced from their true meaning. The challenge ahead is clear: protect our culture by protecting our agricultural heritage.

MT

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