‘Preserve rich culture of ancestors’

Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture, H. Khehovi Sumi on Wednesday urged upon the members of Phom community to promote and preserve the rich culture and traditions of their ancestors in order to protect their identity.
According to a DIPR report, he was speaking at the second day of Phom Monyu festival at local ground, Longleng as special guest.
Asserting that culture defined one’s identity, he exhorted the people not to observe the festival for celebration and merrymaking alone but also to promote their identity and educate the younger generation.
While maintaining that every Naga tribe had its own festival, language and attire, the advisor said all the tribes were tied by Christianity.
He said that Nagas were rich in culture, therefore, they had big prospective to promote tourism in the state.
Promoting tourism through festivals would generate big income at our door step and improve our economy, the advisor stated.
He informed that the policy of the state government to organise mini hornbill festival at every district headquarter was not only to preserve the culture heritage of Nagas but also to promote tourism.
In his welcome address, chief host, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Tseminyu and Phom Gazette Officer’s Association president, Manpai Phom acknowledged the special guest for his support and guidance.
Conveying Monyu greetings to all, he expressed gratitude to the state government for the idea of encouraging the age-old custom, tradition and culture by popularising major festivals of all tribes across all the districts of Nagaland.
During the celebration, festival host, B.S. Nganlang Phom, MLA & chairman DPDB, Longleng said the festival blessing, solidarity speech was delivered by ENPO president Tsapikyu Sangtam and CKS president Nungsanglemba.
Highlights of Monyu festival included beating of log drum by Tangha village, culture dance by Hukphang Nyula, Pongo Union, Jakphang village, Yachem Unionla, Longleng Sadar and Yongnyah block.
Traditional competitions also included tug of war by 12 wards of Longleng, still bamboo walking, grain grinding, pottery making, blacksmith, handicraft and mat making.
Earlier, invocation was said by Longleng Town Baptist Church pastor, Rev. Beau Phom and welcome address was delivered by chief host W. Manpai Phom followed by Monyu greetings from deputy commissioner (DC) Longleng, M. Shayung Phom.