DIMAPUR: The Benreului Nkwa Kohima (BNK) celebrated the 53rd Lamsimngyi Festival at The Garden, Kohima, on October 31, bringing together members of the community across generations to celebrate their rich cultural heritage, traditions and shared identity.
Addressing the gathering, chairman of NBSE, Rangumbuing Nsarangbe, encouraged young aspirants to pursue their dreams with hard work, dedication and discipline, stating that these qualities were essential for success.
He also acknowledged the elders and pioneers who initiated the celebration of the Lamsimngyi Festival, noting that the event had evolved beyond an annual cultural programme into an important platform for members of the Benreului community in Kohima to reconnect and strengthen their bonds.
Nsarangbe observed that such gatherings provide valuable opportunities, particularly for the younger generation, to interact, build relationships and foster a stronger sense of unity and belonging.
Exhorting the gathering, Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, Er. Swarai Meru, said their forefathers were known for their honesty and commitment to their word. He encouraged the younger generation to emulate the values and examples set by their elders, stressing the importance of honouring commitments and standing by one’s promises.
According to him, keeping one’s word reflects personal character and demonstrates respect for those to whom promises are made.
Meru also underscored the importance of speaking, promoting and preserving the native language, cautioning that it could gradually disappear if not passed on to younger generations. He urged parents to take responsibility for teaching their children their mother tongue and incorporating it into daily life.
He further encouraged families to read the Bible in their own dialects so that children could become familiar with their language while strengthening their spiritual foundation.
A notable highlight of the celebration was the traditional presentation of a pork leg to a bride-to-be from the community, a gesture symbolising love, respect and the strong bonds of unity and belonging.
The festival also featured various traditional activities, including indigenous games, wrestling competitions for both young and old, and traditional attire competitions.
The 53rd Lamsimngyi Festival served not only as a celebration of cultural traditions but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving language, faith, values and ancestral heritage.
