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Tangkhul Troupe performs cultural presentation during Luira Phanit, the annual seed sowing festival at NBRC, Sovima on February 28. (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 28
‘Luira Phanit’, the seed sowing festival of the Tangkhul Nagas provided a platform for various Naga tribes to expound on the need to sow the seed of unity and goodwill amongst Nagas.
The festival celebration held at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre (NBRC), Sovima, on February 28 was organized by the Tangkhul Union Dimapur (TUD) under the theme ‘Strengthening cultural bonds.’
The festival was graced by president Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), T Kekongchim as chief guest, president, Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO), Timikha Koza and president, Ao Seden, Chubawati Longchar, as guests of honour and president, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Hopingson A Shimray, as special host, besides a host of invitees.
Never too late for Nagas to move forward
Addressing the festive gathering, the chief guest said though Nagas are placed under different administrative units, yet they share a common and rich cultural bond and this “uniqueness” is known by the whole world.
The ENPO president however lamented that in the present context, Nagas are living in confinement and surrounded by tribalistic attitude, which has led to disunity. “It is high time for Nagas to come out from this tribalistic attitude. How can you expect your tribe to progress in the global context with such attitude?” Kekongchim asked.
He also said Naga people are prone to emotional outburst and obsessed with “dominance” over other tribes and that the sacrificial spirit of Naga forefathers has been replaced by tribalism and personal greed. “We boast ourselves as ‘unique’ but disunity amongst us is our greatest enemy. Are we to live together or perish individually? We call ourselves as warriors but if we cannot admit our mistakes, then we are not true warriors”, he said.
He said if Nagas are willing to move forward, then it is never too late. “Let us bury our past mistakes and carry forward the good deeds for a vibrant future for our children”, Kekongchim said.
On the occasion of the seed sowing festival, the ENPO president urged the Tangkhul brethrens to sow the seed of unity. “Let us sow the seed of unity amongst all Naga brethrens. Let us try to understand the inconveniences of others and not try to burn the houses of our neighbours, for next time it might be our own house”, he said.
‘Forgiveness is divine’
President, TPO, Timikha Koza, said in the past Naga people believed in hard work and that there was no culture of grabbing from others. “If we sow good seeds, then we can expect a good harvest. My message to the young people is look for good seeds and sow good seeds for a good harvest. Don’t expect a good harvest without work,” the TPO president said.
Stating that some Naga tribes are known for their spirit of forgiveness, he said even the Tenyimi people should learn from other tribes that forgiveness is divine. Koza said Nagas must know how to forgive and live together. On Naga political issue, he said, “We stood together. We missed opportunities but now we have a golden opportunity. Let us have a large heart and accommodate each other. Those who sow seeds of disunity will be cursed but those who sow seeds of goodwill and unity will be blessed. We have struggled together, let us also harvest together.”
Embrace culture holistically
President, Ao Senden, Chubawati Longchar, said Nagas celebrate different festivals since time immortal and each festival having its own significance including Luira Phanit. Underscoring the need to preserve one’s culture and tradition, Longchar wondered if the younger generation know about the genesis and meaning of folk songs of their respective tribes, narrate folklores, explain the historical and sociological significance in their society and meaning of their names. He said these are the basic tenets in which lies the foundation of their knowledge and culture.
He advised the future generation to embrace holistically and work on them as culture is their identity and that no power can take it away from them.
Further, Longchar urged the youth to gather as much knowledge and information about their own culture from their elders when they are alive so that they would never regret that they failed in their responsibility to pass on their unique culture to the next generation
Tribe-to-tribe relationship
Earlier, president, TNL, Hopingson A Shimray, in his address quoted Colossians 3:13 and said the Tangkhuls under the aegis of TNL have decided to embark on meeting counter parts of other tribes particularly in Nagaland. Shimray informed that community was eager to establish brotherhood and tribe-to-tribe relationship and making a point to reach out to all Naga tribes this year.
He also reminded all that “as Christian we need to introspect and seek for forgiveness so that we remain as brothers as we have been.”
Highlights of the event included folk song by PCC Tangkhul Students Union, cultural presentation by Sumi Tsükoli clun, Zuve cultural club and Tangkhul cultural troupe.
