‘Moatsu’, the premier spring festival of the Ao-Nagas, was celebrated on Wednesday, at Anu Mai Amphitheatre, Chuchuyimlang, with festive gaiety and flavours.
Performances by Yangpi Cultural Troupe (Chang Tribe), Hukpang Cultural Troupe (Phom Tribe), Chungliyimti Cutltural Troupe (Sangtam Tribe) and Bihu Dance by an Assamese Cultural Troupe and an Adivasi Cultural Troupe added further colour to the celebrations.
The Hans Foundation, New Delhi, chief executive officer, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S M Metha, graced the occasion as the chief invitee.
Speaking at the program, Lt. Gen. (Retd) SM Metha, paid his deepest tribute to founder of Gandhi Ashram, Nagaland Branch, late Nathwar Thakkar, whom, he stated, became the son of his adopted soil. Metha said that it was Thakkar who brought him back to Nagaland and to Chuchuyimlang to initiate and assist in running the Areju Academy to preserve the rich Naga cultural and traditional heritage, particularly that of the Aos.
Metha highlighted that the Hans Foudation is a charity, dedicated to health care and education of the disabled and down trodden. He promised that his foundation would look into the water scarcity issue faced by the people.
The festive event was marked by weaving and basket making competitions.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by village council chairman, Aosanen Pongen and short speeches were delivered by Ao Senden president, Chubawati and Gandhi Ashram managing director, Aotoshi. God’s blessing were invoked by CBC pastor, T Lima.
The “Indigenous knowledge, traditional skills and innovation exhibition”, opposite the celebration venue, was inaugurated by the chief invitee.
Moatsu greetings
UNDP: United Naga Democratic Party (UNDP) Nagaland, president N. Hotongse Sangtam has extended Moatsu festival greetings to the Ao community.
In a greeting message, he said that the significance of Moatsu has become more meaningful with the advent of Christianity in the land of Aos. He also added that Christianity and education was first accepted by the Ao community and also many eminent leaders have emerged from the community, like late T. Aliba Imti, late Dr. Imkongliba Ao, late P. Shilu Ao etc. He also stated that the Ao community “has also made a great impact in the field of education, social and religious upliftment of the ENPO.”
BJP: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland has conveyed heartiest greetings to Ao brothers and sisters on the special occasion of Moatsu festival. BJP Nagaland state general secretary, Kavili Achumi wished for the festival to bring peace, harmony, tolerance and unity in the community and the Nagas in general.