Organizers, participants and officials during the Mleinyi festival held in Jalukie.
Jalukie, March 11 (MExN): Mleinyi festival cum state level art exhibition was organized by Changers’ League in collaboration with Art & Culture department and sponsored by NEZCC in Jalukie on March 11. Mleinyi is a fire making festival of the Zeliangrong tribes. A press release from secretary, Changers' League informed that the exhibition was held to promote the potentials of the Nagas in developing and creating a culture of creative art as part of education.
Vilalhou Noudi, Art Executive, Art & Culture, Kohima asserted in his speech that it is important and we must encourage “our” people and students to develop creative mentality for positive change in the state. Stating that Nagaland is a land of vibrant culture known for its melodic folk songs, vigorous dances and intriguing visual arts comprising colorful attires and motifs, he said the varied art forms are the rudiments of “our” culture to regenerate “our” roots for a healthy growth. He further deemed the theme of the event - Culture Regeneration - befitting for the festival to kindle afresh creative passions, changes in the land. Art is never static, he said. “It is a continual process to inspire new thoughts, new ideas and new visions.”
Raitu Elu, president, Zeme Council Northeast India as chief guest exhorted that not only “our” cultural dress, dances and food items, but also “our beautiful land” should be protected and preserved as our cultural heritage. Reminding the gathering on the significance of the festival, he stated, the festival is observed in solemnity invoking God for showering good and prosperous year. He further added, regeneration doesn’t mean going back to the old ways of life, but “to go well with the good culture of the people without deviating the Christian principle…”
K. Akhang, former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (N) elucidated the significance of fire making culture. He appealed to the organizers to promote more of “our” people’s cultural activities, wearing cultural dresses. He urged all public leaders and general public to come to every cultural festival with cultural attire. He also encouraged the people’s organization to direct the people to dress accordingly and as accustomed to different occasions.
Creative arts of many Naga artists were exhibited and dance troupes from Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei troupes performed traditional dances during
the event.
