DIMAPUR: The third day of the Chega Gaadi/Lamsim Ngyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 was celebrated at Beikingpuichak, district headquarters, Peren, on October 31, with minister for Power, K.G. Kenye, attending as the special guest.
The programme was hosted by chairman of DPDB Peren, Namri Nchang MLA. Vice-president of the Angami Public Organisation, Vikehelie Victor Khawakhrie, and president of the Chakhesang Public Organisation, Vezuhu Keyho, attended the event as tribal guests.
Addressing the gathering, Kenye expressed delight over the enthusiastic participation of both young and elderly members of the community in the festival. He described culture as a cornerstone of society, embodying the social, political and historical values that define a community’s identity, and emphasised the need to preserve it for future generations.
He also expressed gratitude to God for sparing the district from major natural calamities and acknowledged the blessings of a bountiful harvest, which enabled people to celebrate the festival in an atmosphere of peace and happiness.
Reflecting on the relationship between Christianity and indigenous traditions, Kenye called upon church leaders and the Christian community to harmonise Christian teachings with the preservation of indigenous cultural values. He stressed that faith and culture should complement one another in shaping a morally upright and culturally conscious younger generation. In his address, chief host Namri Nchang emphasised that festivals should not merely be celebrated through outward festivities but with a proper understanding of their cultural significance.
Recalling how their forefathers observed festivals with discipline, love, unity and togetherness, he urged the people to uphold the same spirit. Nchang also expressed concern over the declining use of mother tongues among the younger generation, noting that some members of the Zeliangrong community were unable to speak their own dialect.
He urged parents to encourage their children to learn and practise their mother tongue from an early age and stressed the importance of preserving culture, traditions and roots rather than becoming overly influenced by Western lifestyles.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikehelie Victor Khawakhrie highlighted the role of festivals in promoting unity, strengthening friendships and fostering togetherness among people from different communities.
He appreciated the participation of various tribes in their colourful traditional attire, describing it as a reflection of unity and the vision of the organisers. He also stressed the importance of preserving the common language, Tenyidie, and encouraged the younger generation to promote and strengthen its use.
In his address, Vezuhu Keyho said that Chega Gaadi and Lamsim Ngyi reflect the rich cultural heritage, customs and values of the Zeliangrong community. He noted that the festivals promote thanksgiving, unity and the preservation of ancestral traditions, while providing younger generations with an opportunity to learn and carry forward their cultural identity. He further stated that such cultural celebrations strengthen mutual understanding, promote friendship among communities and uphold the values of unity, respect and peaceful coexistence.
The programme began with a welcome address by president of Zeliangrong Baudi (N), K. Francis Zeliang. The event featured a series of cultural performances showcasing the traditions and heritage of participating communities. Koksui was presented by Peren Village, followed by cultural presentations by Samziuram Village, Nzauna Village and the Kachari tribe. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by president of Zeme Council Nagaland, Ernest Sephe.
