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| (L-R) N Hushili Sema. Cultural troupe performing at ENPUD Aoleang cum Silver Jubilee celebration |
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur N. Hushili Sema, Thursday urged the youth to preserve their age-old culture and traditions so as to safeguard their identity.
Hushili was addressing the Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Diphupar (ENPUD)’s Aoleang festival cum silver jubilee here at ENPUD’s union treasurer, DSP (Retd), Shokum Yim’s residence.
Hushili while stressing on the importance of preserving the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas said the youth should not be ashamed of their roots as it defined their identities.
Stating that it was not “old fashioned” to wear traditional attires, Hushili said the youth should be proud to exhibit them and hold it dear to their hearts.
She urged the youth to learn the traditional folk songs and tales so that the same could also be preserved for the next generation.
The DC then asked the youth from Eastern Nagaland not to have the “mentality” of being a “backward tribe” and not to depend on quotas, adding, they were at par with the “so called advance tribes”.
“You people can outsmart the so called advance tribes...you have the potential, talent so give your best in everything you do”, added Hushili.
Appreciating ENPUD for celebrating the festival of the six tribes together, Hushili said the Eastern Nagas has the “unity” which was not easily found in other tribes and says the remaining tribes should emulate them.
“Eastern Nagas should be the bridge for the other Naga tribes… you need to spread unity and concern amongst the Nagas” said Hushili.
Earlier, the guest of honour, president Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur, A Neangba Konyak said that ENPUD could celebrate the silver jubilee celebration because of the unity amongst the members.
Deliberating on the importance of unity amongst the Nagas, Konyak asserted that there was a need for unity amongst Naga national workers. He said it was time for the Eastern Nagas to eradicate the “backward tag”, and pointed out that they were “backward” only in terms of development and economy and not in terms of intelligence.
Konyak was of the view that the government officials from Eastern Nagaland were not “sincere” and therefore urged the Eastern Nagas to be sincere in whatever they do.
Highlighting the significance of Aoleang festival, Engchai Konyak said Aoleang Monyu festival was the biggest traditional festival of the Konyak Nagas which is celebrated for six days - each day having a separate name and different significance.
The first day is called ‘Hoi lai yah nyih’, the second day ‘Yin mok pho nyih’, third ‘Yin mok shek nyih’, fourth ‘Lingyu nyih’, fifth ‘Lingha nyih’ and finally the sixth day ‘Lingshan nyih’.
He said Aoleang was observed after completing the sowing of seeds in the new fields, and also to mark the end of the old year and to welcome the New Year which begins with the onset of spring.
Aoleang was also the time for seeking Almighty God’s blessing for bountiful harvest for the year.
Silver jubilee souvenir was dedicated by the speaker Reverend S Takam Chang who also gave a short message. A special number was presented by youth from Phom community. The festival and silver jubilee celebration was marked with cultural show, felicitation of oldest man, Chingei Phom (92) and woman Shiola Thongtsar (62) amongst the union followed by a scrumptious feast.
It may be mentioned that ENPUD celebrates the major festival of all the six tribes of the union after every two years. The union informed that ENPUD has celebrated the major festivals of all the six tribes and culminated with the celebration of Aoleang festival of the Konyak tribe. Continuation of such celebration would be made known to the members only after the union convenes a meeting during the later part of the year, added the member.
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