Dimasa Kacharis celebrated Bishu festival- a post harvest festival with much pomp and gaiety here Wednesday, at Horesh and Maoser Hakkaw (H&MH) Dhansiripir ground, Wednesday.
More than hundred Dimasa Kacharis, wearing colourful traditional attire, attended the programme showcasing their culture.
Speaking at the programme as chief guest, Sub Divisional Officer (civil) Dhansiripar, Mhalo Humtsoe lauded the organizing committee for carrying on the traditions of celebrating the festival.
Terming the festival as colourful, Humtsoe lauded the pioneers for celebrating the festival as Thanksgiving Day despite working hard for the whole year.
Urging the community to preserve their culture, identity and uniqueness, she said that it was a blessing for the Dimasa community to be able to continue celebrating the festival thus preserving the culture and tradition that they have inherited.
Humtsoe also asked the gathering to retrospect about what their community lack and to reconcile together, so that the meaning of the festival itself would create peace and unity amongst the community and its progress.
During the celebration, guest of honour, I.T deputy secretary and Dimasa Public Organization Nagaland (DPON), K. Naben mentioned that Bishu is a recognized festival which is widely celebrated in India.
He said that in the celebration for preserving the culture and tradition of the community, education need to be a focal point if the community was to progress forward.
Naben challenged the parents to focus on education of the young people, so they could uplift the community and also advised the students to obey their parents for a better future.
Significance of the festival was delivered by Dimasa Lairidimme Nagaland, president D. Nadan where she mentioned that Bishu festival is celebrated to promote unity and understanding amongst the people of all ages and social status.
She said Bishu was a time of feasting and merry making with socio-cultural activities.
Various cultural activities including sports, folk dances, blowing of the flute call “Muri”, folk tales, songs and rituals (Bishu blessing) was perform by Gaijaibao (village elder) Naga Hoja/Matla Hoja were highlights of the programme.