Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 23
The Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 was celebrated at Makuiluangdi, the ancestral village of the Zeliangrong people also known as the Luangdimai from November 18 to 21. The second edition of Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 was organised by Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF) with an evocative theme, "Malanwangbo" meaning "Return of the Native", symbolizing the homecoming of Luangdimai people from across regions to their ancestral homeland for a grand celebration of heritage, community, and unity, according to K Elu Ndang, convenor of the central organising committee of the festival.
The festival also highlighted the re-enactment of the Naga dispersal from Makhel, featuring a symbolic procession co-hosted by the Mao Council and LCF on November 18. Following this, as a part of the journey to rediscover the history and lineage of the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong), an Ultra Trail Expedition-comprising Trail Run, Cycling, Motorbiking, and Car Rally from Makhel the Naga peoples' ancestral home to Makuiluangdi Village Hallowed Ground (present Senapati District of Manipur) was organised. The expedition was flagged off by the village authority of Makhel and president of Mao Council with the chief of Makhel lighting a torch for the expedition team. The expedition route marks the legendary path where the ancestors are believed to have traversed, took shelter and first settled and then finally established a Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) civilization. at Makuiluangdi. This expedition was a tribute to ancestral memory but also a celebration of adventure, fitness, fellowship, and cultural pride among participants and enthusiasts, Elu Ndang said.
A distinctive feature of Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 was the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) Village Stone Piling Ceremony, where over 600 Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) villages spread across Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and other parts of Northeast India brought stones engraved with their village names, symbolizing unity, shared heritage and return of the native Malanwangbo. The stones are piled on Hallowed Ground, the ground from where Luangdimai/Zeliangrong ancestors are believed to have lived and eventually dispersed to their present habitats in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, he also stated.
The festival also showcased vibrant cultural dance performances from the Zeliangrong Heraka Association of Assam and Nagaland, and Tingkao Raguang Chapriak of Manipur. Wibo Luangdiram, the theme song of Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 was presented by the students of Highland National College, Kanglatongbi. Participants and performers donned traditional attire, while local food stalls offered delectable traditional cuisines and beverages. Indigenous crafts, attires, books, herbal medicines, and artworks were displayed to reconnect visitors with ancient knowledge and aesthetics. Youth-oriented events such as folk song contests, traditional sports and art competitions were performed to further enliven the celebration, Elu Ndang added.
Dinganglung Gangmei, chairman, Hill Areas Committee (HAC), Government of Manipur, attended the festival and exhorted the gathering to be proud of their heritage and legacy of leadership that fought against injustices and be wary of the forces that seek to weaken and divide the people. He reminded the congregation that because of their valor and courage and their indomitable spirit to fight for their right against injustice, the Luangdimai/Zeliangrong remains divided. He recalled how Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu fought against the British, and how many forces have tried to split the Luangdimai/Zeliangrong since British rule. He also added, "Luangdimai/Zeliangrong people are now spread across three different states, yet our emotion and spirit remain as one. "Boundaries cannot separate us; we are connected to each other. We are here to reaffirm that we are one and must move forward together. Youngsters, we need to carry on the saying: 'The show must go on! Zeliangrong will bloom again'", he added.
Dr. JohnyRuangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, NSDMA, Government of Nagaland, stressed on the urgent need of the Luangdimai (Zeliangrong) people to unite across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland stating that, although we are "divided by boundaries, our blood and spirit as Zeliangong/Luangdimai is one". We must rise up to the occasion and work together towards common aspiration.
The flag-dehoisting ceremony was led by Dr. Samuel Pamei, Chairman of Elders Board, Luandimai Citizens Forum.
The vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei, Co-Convenor of the Festival Committee, acknowledged that the grand success of the festival was due to the collective efforts of the community and sacrifices made by their leaders, the hospitality of the leaders of Mao Council, Makhel village, Mao Union, 49 A/C Tadubi and Makhan Khuman, district administration of Senapati, generous donors and well-wishers, the cultural dance troupes from across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
The welcome note was delivered by K. Elu Ndang, Convenor, Central Organising Committee of the Festival. While welcoming the Zeliangong people to the valedictory session, the Convenor calls upon the blessings of our ancestors. The call of Malanwangbo is not merely an invitation; it is a spiritual summons that resonates in the heart of every Zeliangrong soul. It calls us back to our roots, to the land of Makuilongdi-the cradle of our civilization-where the stories of our forefathers are etched into the soil and whispered by the winds. Wishing every Luangdimai/Zeliangrong that Makuiluangdi Festival and the spirit of Malanwangbo will reinvigorate the spirit of togetherness, peace and prosperity to all who embrace the idea of Malanwangbo across Luangdiram in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
