Sekrenyi, the premier festival of the Angami tribe was celebrated with pomp and gaiety as part of Mini-Hornbill at State Stadium Dimapur, which witnessed a mammoth gathering from all four ranges of the Angami tribe– Northern, Western, Southern and Chakhroma, including invitees and guests from all tribal hohos and other communities. The festival was organized by Angami Public Organisation, the apex body of the Angami community.
Dimapur also witnessed one of the longest ever traffic snarls as hundreds of vehicles clogged the roads transporting the celebrants and those out on Saturday shopping.
Addressing the gathering in Angami dialect, chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized on the profound significance of festivals in strengthening community bonds and preserving ancestral traditions.
Highlighting the pivotal role of cultural festivals in nurturing unity and cultural pride, Rio underscored the essence of Sekrenyi as a unifying force that fosters familial ties and inspires aspirations for the future.
Rio expressed the hope that Angami traditions and customs would be revisited through Sekrenyi and provide the younger generations with valuable insights.
He stressed on the importance of hard work, prudent resource management, and the preservation of traditional values to face modern challenges.
Reflecting on traditional Angami values, Rio emphasised on virtues of honesty, truthfulness, and the transmission of cultural taboos from one generation to the next. He underscored the importance of the Angami Public Organization’s theme, “Right is Might,” in advocating diligence and hard work in the pursuit of rights.
Rio called for concerted efforts in documenting traditional food habits and broader cultural preservation initiatives, expressing gratitude to all participants for their active involvement in the Sekrenyi Festival.
Reflecting on the Hornbill Festival as a culmination of Nagaland’s rich tribal festivals, Rio emphasized its role in drawing participants from across Northeast communities, promoting cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
He commended the efforts of APO officials, dignitaries, and attendees for making the event a grand success.
Deputy chief minister Y Patton highlighted that celebrating such festivals was significantnot only to promote tourism but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland’s diverse tribes. Patton further emphasized the state government’s initiative of celebrating the mini Hornbill Festival across district headquarters, stressing the provision of equal opportunities to all Naga tribes. This initiative aims to benefit local entrepreneurs while honoring the distinctive traditions of each community, he added.
He highlighted that the decision to celebrate the mini Hornbill Festival was a direct outcome of a Cabinet meeting held on April 16, 2018, showcasing chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s vision to foster both cultural pride and economic growth through such initiatives.
Patton recognized Sekrenyi as the most significant festival celebrated by the Angami community, emphasizing its importance beyond religious sanctification. He urged for its celebration as a means of purification and unity among neighboring communities.
Further, Patton commended the Angami community for its significant contributions to the progress of Nagaland across various domains. He urged for continued leadership from the community towards common objectives, emphasizing the unity of the Nagas regardless of geographical boundaries.
He called for support for government initiatives aimed at public welfare and encouraged active participation in community activities to further strengthen bonds within society.
Also speaking on the occasion, deputy chief minister, TR Zeliang, extended greetings to all celebrants and commended the Angami Public Organization (APO) for organising the Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival with grandeur and precision.
He praised the organizers’ efforts in uniting not just the Angami community but the entire Naga populace through the Sekrenyi festival.
Expressing admiration for hosting the festival in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, Zeliang considered it a wise decision.
“If such practice could be adopted by other Naga community, Dimapur will be transformed into a new tourist destination and can become the City of Mini-Hornbill Festival all-round the year. This way, we can expect regular flow of tourists in our State not only during Hornbill Festival in Kisama but even in Dimapur round the year”, he stated.
On the essence of Sekrenyi, Zeliang elucidated its meaning as a festival of sanctification and purification, aimed at renewing the community’s spirit and fostering unity. He underscored the festival’s relevance in the context of ongoing peace talks, urging collective efforts towards a resolution beneficial for all parties involved.
He also touched on the PDA government’s aspirations for an inclusive and honorable settlement to the Naga political issue and called for unity within the Naga family to achieve a conclusive outcome that is inclusive, honorable, and acceptable to the Nagas at large.
He expressed hope that the Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival would serve as a catalyst for unity and progress not only within the Angami community but across the entire Naga society.
Zeliang expressed optimism for the festival to serve as a platform for the promotion of Angami culture and traditions.
The festival was also attended by minister PHE & Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi; advisor Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise Moatoshi Longkumer and advisor, Tribal Affairs and Elections Tovihoto Ayemi, as special guest, along with ministers Salhoutonou Kruse, P Bashang Chang and a host of legislators and dignitaries.
Dwelling on the significance of the festival, president APO Razouvotuo Chatsu explained that Sekrenyi, also known as Phousanyi, is an annual festival celebrated in the month of February. He described it as the biggest festival of the Angami tribe, characterized as a “purification festival” aimed at cleansing all past sins. The festival’s objective is to renew and cleanse both the body and soul, fostering unity among the community, he added.
The festival celebration also witnessed ‘Unity Dance’ by all dignitaries and guests present.
The festival began with unfurling of Sekrenyi Flag by the chief guest and flags of Angami villages by the respective Village Council chairmen.
Earlier, invocation was offered by pastorChümoukedima Village Baptist Church, Rev. Lhouzovi-u Shüya and welcome address by president Chakhroma Public Organisation, Zhato Kimho.
Highlights of the festival included indigenous games, folk songs by Chakhroma Public Organisation, Western Angami Organisation, folk dances by Southern Angami Public Organisation, Northern Angami Public Organisation, and “A Ra Kezivi” by Angami Students’ Union. Vote of thanks was delivered by co-convenor Sekrenyi Planning Committee, K. NeibouSekhose, followed by Sekrenyi Feast and Indigenous Games.
According to secretary planning committee, NeidilhoutuoNeibuSechü around 15000 people attended the festival.