Ukhrul, February 10 (MExN): Lui-Ngai-Ni, the Seed Sowing Festival of the 16 Naga tribes in Manipur State, is scheduled to be held on February 14 and 15 with Ukhrul playing hosts to the celebrations. Celebrated during the onset of spring season to invoke the gods for blessing of the seeds of crops so that they yield bounteous harvest, Lui-Ngai-Ni is celebrated is celebrated in the Naga Districts on a rotational basis on February 15 every calendar year. The festival was given official recognition on December 24, 1986 and has also been listed as one of the tourist festivals by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang will be the Chief Guest on the inaugural day while Major General VS. Sreenivas, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) will be the Guest of Honour. On the closing day, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and Naga Hoho President Chuba Ozukum will be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. Besides delegates from India and abroad, about 1600 official delegates from the 16 Naga tribes are arriving to participate in the celebration at Ukhrul District Headquarter. UNC President Gaidon Kamei, the Functional President of Lui-Ngai-Ni 2016, will hoist a flag during the evening programme on the arrival day on February 13.
