Dimapur, January 20 (MExN): The annual seed sowing festival of the 16 Naga tribes in Manipur, Lui-Ngai-Ni, will be celebrated on February 14 and 15.
According to a press release from the United Naga Council, the apex Naga body in Manipur State, it was informed that the festival was accorded official recognition on December 24, 1986, while February 15 was declared a state holiday. In 1997, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, also listed Lui-Ngai-Ni as one of the tourist festivals of India.
Celebrated in the Naga Districts of Manipur on a rotational basis, this year, Lui-Ngai-Ni is being hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) at its district headquarters in Ukhrul, UNC informed. The festival will be participated by thousands of Naga delegates with colorful festivity, while many delegates from various communities, states and even abroad are coming to participate in the festival, it added. Cultural Folk Dances and songs, Traditional attire display, Naga artists and renowned artists from different parts of the country will entertain this year’s festival, UNC stated.
Meanwhile, as per the UNC Presidential Council Meeting held on October 29, 2015 at UNC Office, the following members are appointed to be the members of State Level Organising Committee (SLOC) Lui-Ngai-Ni (Naga Seed owing) Festival, 2016: Convenor – TS Warngam, Vice President, UNC; Co-Convenor – Seth Shatsang, President, ANSAM; Member Secretary – W. Asha, Gen-Secretary, NWU; Treasurer – K. Kaikho, Finance Secretary, UNC; Member – WS Kanral, President, CNPO; Member – K. Moses Maram, President, NPO; Member – Weapon Zimik, President, TNL; Member – Thomas Kamei, President, ZB, Manipur; Member - M. Dili, President, Mao Council. The SLOC may form sub-committees for smooth functioning of the festival as and when required, UNC stated in their release.
In this regard, the United Naga Council has appealed to the public to extend fullest support and co-operation to the State Level Organising Committee.
