Nagaland Rengmas celebrate Ngada festival with cultural fervour

The Rengma community celebrated its post-harvest festival, Ngada, with vibrant cultural fervour on Thursday at the Agri Expo site in Dimapur.
The event was jointly organised by the Rengma Public Organization (RPO) Chumoukedima and RPO Dimapur.
Extending festive greetings, MLA and chairman of DPDB Tseminyu district, Ar. Jwenga Seb, highlighted Ngada as a celebration symbolising peace, happiness and joy. Describing it as a festival of reconciliation, reconnection and renewal, he reminded the gathering of the values upheld by Rengma forefathers—unity, honesty and mutual respect. He further encouraged the community to remain custodians and ambassadors of their rich cultural heritage, noting that while festivals may differ across communities, their core purpose of preserving tradition remains the same.
Western Rengma Hoho president, Er. Njilo Kemp, also conveyed greetings and underscored three key elements of Ngada—gratitude, renewal of bonds and the pursuit of prosperity. He described the festival as a time for thanksgiving, merrymaking and strengthening family and community ties through forgiveness, support and care. He urged the gathering to draw from past blessings and contribute to the progress and development of their communities.
The Ngada Rüpu (Chief), B. R. Kemp, also shared insights into the significance of the festival.
The celebration featured a rich line-up of cultural presentations, including folk dances and songs coordinated by Khunpemo Seb, Machü-o Kez, Ahaile Chen, Simu Nillo, Ato Seb, Rega Jishing, Lamathang Kath and Sukha Kath.
Traditional games organised by representatives from RPOC, Padampukhuri, Bor Lengri, Sovima, DRBC, RNPC and Rengma Basti/Hada, added to the festive spirit. A word of gratitude was delivered by Anilo Rengma of the Ngada Organising Committee, followed by a prayer for the feast led by Gwanilo Khing, pastor of the Rengma Baptist Church, Sovima.
The event concluded on a note of unity and cultural pride as participants joined in celebrating the vibrancy and spirit of Ngada. Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Rev. K. Methalo, followed by a special presentation from the Kandi Group.
A welcome address by Khunenchu Magh, convenor of the Ngada Organising Committee, set the tone for a day dedicated to cultural celebration and community bonding. Jolo Voice of DRBC also presented a special item.