Haiying urges Konyaks to maintain the culture inherited from their forefathers
Konyak community of Kohima under the aegis of Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) celebrated Aoleang festival at The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, here, on Saturday.
The festival which marks the end of the current year and welcomes the beginning of the New Year with the spring season was celebrated with pomp and gaiety.
The festival saw participation from various tribal units from Kohima and had an array of folk tunes and cultural presentations from different groups.
During the programme, advisor, Prison, Printing and Stationery, H. Haiying and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president, Besevi Nakhro graced the occasion as special guest and special invitee.
In his address, Haiying stressed on the qualities of understanding, love and forgiveness as Konyaks celebrate Aoleang festival.
He said that through such acts, the community would be blessed in many ways.
He lauded the Konyaks for keeping up the culture and standing tall among many other tribes when it came to preservation of culture, tradition and identity.
The advisor also appreciated KUK for bringing the Konyak citizens together to seek the blessings of the festival.
Stating that the festival depicted one’s identity and culture, the advisor urged to maintain the same inherited from the forefathers.
Greeting the Konyak community on the occasion of Aoleang festival, ASU president Besevi Nakhro in his address expressed joy to join in welcoming the new season invoking the blessings and reaffirmed the bond as brothers and members of the Naga family.
He said the community must reaffirm the commitment to this brotherhood and unite to build a stronger Naga society – a progressive society, supporting and encouraging each other to move forward.
Meanwhile, ex-MLA and national executive member ST Morcha BJP, Naiba Koyak delivered significance of the festival while KUK president delivered a welcome address.
Pastor KBBK, Z. Mankup said the invocation prayer while state chaplain Rev. T.W Yamyap offered a benediction.
The audiences were enthralled by cultural performances from Se-ong cultural group Tobu Area Union Kohima, Aboi Unit, Wakching unit, Mon circle and special song presentation from Angam Ükhong and beating of log drum.
Legislators, host of representatives from tribal units from Kohima, senior government officials and others attended the colourful event. (Correspondent)
Dimapur: Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) celebrated Aoleang festival in high spirits at Konyak Community Centre, Purana Bazar with minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, YM Yollow as special guest here, on Saturday.
In a short speech, Yollow said Aoleang was celebrated by the Konyak community in different places at different times, however with the intervention of Konyak Students Union (KSU) in 1960, it was fixed to be celebrated from April 1 to 6.
Speaking on the meaning of the occasion, the minister said the festival was celebrated in ways where womenfolk who were married to men of other tribes or another family were invited celebrate the feast with their parents.
He added that cultural songs and dances performed during the festival not only bore resemblance to victories but were also composed with meanings of failures.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by M Jeange Yanlem and invocation was said by KBBD pastor, Rev. M Tonglong while welcome address was delivered by KUD president, A Mosa Konyak.
Former member of parliament, W Wanyuh also enlightened the gathering on the significance of the festival.
Highlights of the programme included special songs from KBBYD and Minphong while cultural dances and songs were performed by nine constituencies.
Vote of thanks was proposed by KUD vice president, K Longchi and benediction was offered by Konyak Fellowship Borlengri, pastor Yokkai.
(Staff Reporter)