Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 20

The Angami Public Organisation (APO) will celebrate Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival, in Dimapur, this year, on February 24. APO President, Razouvutuo Chatsu, made the announcement on February 20 at the State Stadium, the venue chosen for hosting the most important festival of the Angami Naga. 

Chatsu, who is also the convenor of the festival planning committee, said that atleast 15,000 people is expected to turn out for the celebration, which will have the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the chief guest and the two Deputy CMs, Y Patton and TR Zeliang as guests of honour. Minister for PHED, N Jacob Zhimomi; MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs, H Tovihoto Ayemi and MLA and Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer will be the special guests. 

The main festival of the Angami Naga, Sekrenyi is celebrated in the month of February. In the Angami tradition, it falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. It was regarded as a festival of sanctification and purification and celebrated for ten days back in the old days. With the advent of Christianity, the duration of the festival was reduced, with modern day celebrations lasting for 1-3 days. 

The old rituals are no longer performed but the festival is celebrated today to promote and preserve the rich cultural values of the Angami, said Chatsu.  

He extended invitation to all the Naga tribes and other community leaders from the state as well as neighbouring Assam to partake in the celebration. Anticipating a large turnout, he said that the planning committee has arranged for the required security and traffic arrangements with the police. 

Co-convenor, K Neibou Sekhose said that the main aim of the celebration is to foster togetherness.