Morung Express News
Mon | September 28
First day of the two days ‘Lao-ong Mo’- the post harvest festival of the Konyak Naga was celebrated at local ground, Mon Town with EE Pangteang, Minister for RD and REPA and Shompha Wangsa, Chairman, Wancho Council, Arunachal as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The guest of honour in his speech said that though the Wancho and Konyak are divided by artificial boundary, they are of one race and one family with same traditional and customary practices. Emphasizing on the need to preserve one’s culture and traditional practices, which is our identity, he urged upon the gathering to begin such practices at home.
Highlighting on the fact that the Konyak and Wancho produces organic agricultural products, he urged upon the MLAs of both Konyak and Wancho to explore on the feasibility to export the organic products. “This in turn will uplift the economic condition of the people,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest informed that both Aoleang and Lao-ong Festival was celebrated not just to mark the occasion but to keep traditions alive and to keep the younger generations informed of our traditional and customary practices.
Appreciating the Konyak Union for organizing ‘Harvest nite extravaganza’, where various competitions will be held, he was optimistic that such co-curricular activities will provide platform for the youths to showcase their talents.
Highlighting on the significance of the Laon-ong Mon, the chief guest said that Lao-ong mo also known as post harvest or annual harvest festival signifies the winding up of all harvest activities, norms and rituals which were practice by every household. During the festival, offering are made unto the divine spirit by expressing the indebtedness over the bountiful blessings that is being bestowed upon. It is celebrated to mark its abundant harvest and thanks giving.
The chief guest also inaugurated the ‘Harvest Exhibition &sale’ stall, where traditional items such as crafts, bead works, and handloom products were displayed for sale.
The highlight of the day included special traditional presentation by Wancho Dancing Troupe and Thai Ahom dancing troupe and post harvest welcoming song was performed by Angam and friends.
Other dignitaries who attended the Lao-ong Mo were Shingnyu Advisor to CM, Eshak Konyak, Parlianmentary Secretary Art & Culture, YM Yollow Parliamentary secretary Agriculture, Pohwang Parliamentary secretary NRLM & Evaluation, Neiba Advisor State Lottery, NBDA, N. Thongwang, MLA, W. Honje DC Mon, Yangba SP Mon,
