Minister for Water Resources and Relief and Disaster Management, Awangbow Newmai on arrival at Kisama for Chaga Gadi on October 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 30
The Liangmai Welfare Society Kohima (LWSK) today celebrated Chaga Gadi 2023 under the theme ‘Celebrating our unique cultural heritage’ at Naga Heritage Village Kisama.
Addressing the celebration as the special guest, Awangbow Newmai, Minister for Water Resources and Relief and Disaster Management, Government of Manipur, extended warmest greetings to the community.
He said that festival is one of the most significant events where everyone comes together and celebrates the festival by offering thanksgiving to God for bountiful blessings. Newmai urged the youngsters to preserve and protect the cultural identity.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. He underscored that each language has its unique way of expressing and facilitating communication among people, contributing to a better understanding of one's culture and identity. The Minister urged upon the people to encourage children to learn their local language and promote it, enabling them to reach the level of their contemporaries.
He hoped that the festival will bring peace and the feeling of oneness among the community.
Delivering the significance of the festival, Joshua Newmai, General Secretary, Naga Club Trust said the festival is celebrated to respect the womenfolk for complementing the life of the menfolk and also blessing the unbetrothed young girls for their prosperous future, allowing them rest and treating them with a delectable feast called "Aliukuangkan."
The other significance is self purification by menfolk called "Aliambo" compulsorily requiring them to observe strict abstinence from physical indulgence and relationship with females in order to sanctify themselves for good fortune in the coming year.
The event witnessed folk songs and dances as well as other traditional games.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by LWSK President Rutmakbo while vote of thanks was proposed by LWSK Joint Secretary Thunbui Zeliang.
The celebrations concluded with a grand feast.
