A&C department organises ‘tribal festivals’

District cultural offices under the department of Art & Culture (A&C) have been organising “tribal festivals” on the theme, “Igniting Cultural Traditions” in their respective districts across the state. The festivals are being organised with an aim to disseminate the importance of various cultures and traditions in Nagaland and to encourage people to keep preserve their cultures.
Mokokchung: The tribal festival was held at Mokokchung district cultural office complex with deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh as special guest.
In his address, DC congratulated the department for the initiative it had undertaken, to bring people of all walks of life together through culture. He stated that Nagaland was in itself a mini India and with the state alone having 17 recognised tribes signified that there was unity in diversity. Shashank also reiterated that performing arts was a major asset.
At the programme, district cultural officer (DCO) Imyaba Ao delivered welcome address while various presentations of folk songs by Imlinungchet & Akinaro and narration of folklore by Kajenkala and Aokonang Jamir were presented.
Cultural presentations included performances of folk songs by Associates for Performing Arts and Theatricals (APAT) Mokokchung, demonstration of indigenous games from Aosungkum Cultural Club Mokokchung Village and Metong Rogo Soyim.
Folk dances were also performed by students of NI Jamir GHSS and Mayangnokcha GHSS. Vote of thanks was proposed by UDA district cultural office, Alongti.
Wokha: In Wokha district, the festival was held at Likhya Community Hall Orchid colony.
According to a press release, extra assistant commissioner (EAC) I Yentinoungbou called upon the Lotha community to preserve and promote their rich cultural practices in keeping the tradition alive.
In the welcome address, DCO Zuthungo Yanthan encouraged the gathering to preserve their culture and informed that the state government has proposed to organise such events so that Naga traditions, values and practices were preserved. He further remarked that Nagas will become a lost tribe if they fail to preserve their cultures and identity.
At the programme, Lansothung Yanthan from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Wokha and Chanchibeni Yanthan from Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School Wokha presented storytelling while Longsa Women Cultural troupe, Vantsu Taro cultural troupe, Bethsaida school Wokha, Isaiah ability Higehr Secondary School and Phiro Village cultural troupe presented a cultural dance, folksong, traditional practices and indigenous games.
Kiphire: Kiphire district organised the tribal festival in the conference hall of Loyola Higher Secondary School on September 27, with ADC D. Robin as special guest.
In his speech, D. Robin expressed gratitude to the department for organising such an event where younger generation would be able to learn and appreciate their art and culture through active participation. Sharing that he was privileged to be part of the programme, he highlighted that the influence of modern and western culture was affecting the culture identity and practice of Nagas. In this regard, he urged upon the students to understand the importance of culture that their forefathers had passed down from one generation to another.
He also lamented how many of the youth who travel to urban areas for work and studies tend to forget their culture. This, he said, should be done away with and the cultural values of forefathers must be imbibed.
In a brief address, DCO P. Yongwe Wumnok said that the idea behind the festival was to learn and appreciate one’s culture through art, dance, music and language.
At the programme, head GB Kipghire town, Throngseli Sangtam declared the festival open, with an announcement of traditional blessing while participants from Agape School, Zisiji Presidency college and various group presented folk dances and folk songs.
Phek: In Phek district, the festival was held at Phek Town Hall on September 27.
According to a DIPR report, EAC Phek, N. Joshua Tikhir spoke on the material and non-material culture. He lamented how most of the youth did not know their own traditional cultures and expressed is view that instead of western culture, one should focus more on one’s own culture and preserve it.
In a welcome address, DCO Zhosa Sapu stated that the event was organised with an objective to influence the younger generation with the rich cultures of the land.
Highlights of the programme included various cultural performances.