Luira Phanit- Seed Sowing Festival celebrated in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 15
 

Adorned in fineries – males sporting headgears made from bamboo with intricately weaved designs while female donned traditional neckpieces apart from their colourful traditional attires, the Tangkhuls in Dimapur celebrated their premier festival – the Luira Phanit or the seed sowing festival at the Local Ground in Diphupar Village on February 15.  

The older generation at the venue recollected and enacted the ancient customary practices of songs and dances while the younger lot were reminded on the significance of the festival and indoctrinated on the importance of continuing such practices.  

Marking the occasion on the day, Lungrei Wungleng, Awunga or village chief, performed the traditional act of invoking divine blessings for the crops to be cultivated during the year and for a bountiful harvest.       

 Adolescent Tangkhul boys and girls also performed the Kharing-Kharak pheichak, a folk dance where only virgin girls are allowed to perform. Other highlights of the day included folk song competition, fancy dress, Mr. & Miss Luira etc.  

With the community getting ready for sowing, HK Zhimomi, Vice President, Naga Hoho, who was the chief guest on the occasion, urged the gathering to “sow the seeds of peace and unity”. Zhimomi also harped on the “uniqueness” in customs and traditions of the different Naga tribes and encouraged the people to continue to uphold the traditions and customary practices.