Rengma Public Organisation Kohima (RPOK) celebrated “Nthenyi Atun Tsanthang / Pvübon Lüron Dzon” (Rengma Indigenous Day) as a prelude to the Rengma Ngada festival 2018 on November 21, at Highland Park, Kohima.
A press release by RPOK president, Khinyi Woch and general secretary, Kenny Semp stated that the event was meant to display the rich cultural heritage of the Rengma Nagas.
Chief Host, R. Khing, advisor, AH&VS and Women Resources Development, while reminiscing about the early days of Rengma settlement in Kohima town, expressed gratitude to God for their ever growing numbers and the blessings upon them. He highlighted the significance of the Ngada festival as being the biggest festival of the Rengmas and a time of merry-making, giving and reconciliations. He also urged the gathering to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the tribe passed down by their forefathers while also encouraging them to stand united and to learn fear of the Lord and faithful living. He invited the people to join the whole community in celebrating the Ngada mini-Hornbill festival 2018 on November 27 and 28, at Tseminyu Old Town.
Colourful Rengma clothes and attires were displayed coordinated by Sophia Thong and Grace Mesen. In the Rengma folk-tune competition, in which all the seven ranges participated, Tesophenyu Group emerged as the winners and Kasha Daho group emerged as runners up. These two groups will represent RPOK in the Ngada Mini- Hornbill Festival 2018.
RPOK joint secretary, Kenny Khing delivered the vote of thanks and pastor, Zakevi Kesen said the benediction after which the gathering celebrated the success of the event with a feast.
Earlier, the program began after an invocation of God’s blessings by Shihato Kath. Dr. Gwalozu Thong (advisor, RPOK) welcomed the gathering to the event. Rengma Baptist Church Youth department presented a modern folk song. RPOK president, Khinyi Woch delivered the key-note address where he shared the significance of the unique culture and traditions of the Rengma tribe.