Dimapur, February 14 (MExN): The South Nagas Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) has extended its greetings to all Naga tribes, especially to the various Naga tribes of Manipur for a prosperous Lui-Ngai-Ni 2017. In a statement, the union informed that Lui-Ngai-Ni, which is celebrated annually on February 15, is the biggest festival of the South Nagas. The festival heralds the season of seed sowing for a bountiful and bumper harvest and also marks the onset of Spring, it added. During this festival, the Naga tribes of Manipur viz., Anal, Mao, Maram, Tangkhul, Zemei, Liangmai, Rongmei, Puimei, Paomai, Moyon, Monshang, Maring, Tarao, Lamkang, Chothe, Kharam, Chiru, Koireng and Thangal, come together and showcase their rich cultural heritage through dances and songs including cultural attire show, lighting of fire, traditional drum beating, traditional folk dances and songs. The festival assumes significance among the people of the North East as it appeals for peaceful co-existence and spreads the message of “Live and let live,” cutting across barriers of caste, creed and religion, the SNUNS stated. Lui-Ngai-Ni is a festival of “sowing -goodwill, reaping understanding” and also of Thanksgiving as the people seek the blessing of the Almighty for a prosperous life, the union added before informing that other Naga tribes of Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal partake in the festivities as special guests and invitees. Unable to organize a get-together this year, SNUNS asked all Naga tribes of Manipur to celebrate the annual Lui-Ngai- Ni at the tribe level. SNUNS further conveyed the wish that all Naga tribes would usher in a year of peace, harmony and development in our society through dialogue, understanding and unity.
