Moatsü festival showcases culture, indigenous games

The Ao community celebrated the premier festival Moatsü with grandeur and cultural vibrancy across Chümoukedima, Sungratsu and Guwahati, bringing together members for traditional observances, performances and indigenous games.
In Chümoukedima, the Ao Senso Telungjem Chümoukedima (ASTC), in collaboration with North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), organised the festival under the theme “Nechi Ranglok” meaning “Focusing on Truth and Liberation” at Sammagooting Ground, Chümoumkedima. The programme was graced by minister for Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, as chief guest, and minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, as guest of honour. Nuklutoshi MLA hosted the event.
Extending greetings, Jacob lauded the progress of Nagaland’s diverse cultures and tribes. He expressed pride in the identity of the Naga people, noting that festivals such as Moatsü and Hornbill reflect the traditions and spirit of the forefathers.
Jacob emphasised the need to promote unity among all Naga tribes beyond families and communities. Highlighting the progress of the Ao community in various fields, he urged them to take responsibility in fostering a common Naga identity. He pointed out that while development was progressing, unity must be strengthened and issues addressed collectively beyond politics.
He stressed that development was not limited to infrastructure but also encompassed cultural values, social behaviour and character, which are essential for a progressive society. He called for unity that transcends households, urging people to live with one another’s shortcomings to move forward.
Jacob also cautioned that unity and values displayed during festivals should not remain confined to such occasions but continue in everyday life. He urged all to work collectively towards a shared identity and future, and to remain united for the welfare and progress of the Naga people.
Metsubo Jamir, in his address, expressed hope that Moatsü would sow seeds of friendship among Aos, neighbouring villages and other tribes, and stressed the need to preserve Ao language and cultural practices.
He reminded that as forefathers prayed for blessings, the present generation must continue to seek blessings from God and one another. Metsubo noted that Aos are often regarded as a pillar for others, and urged the community to live in unity and peace, as their way of life reflects on the larger society.
Referring to cultural presentations and indigenous games, he cautioned against treating them as mere displays, stressing that Ao traditions, practices and language are gradually disappearing. He warned that overemphasis on learning other languages could erode identity, and advised Aos to preserve their language and cultural heritage while remaining united.
Nuklutoshi emphasised the importance of teaching younger generations Ao cultural practices, traditions and values.
He noted that in the new Chümoukedima district, Ao leaders and community members were celebrating the festival together, and stressed that festivals must be observed with sincerity, from the heart, in the name of God and in true unity. He urged Aos living in Chümoukedima to set an example for others by living in unity and resilience, despite district demarcations between Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
Referring to Moatsü as a festival of blessings, Nuklutoshi expressed hope that everyone would receive and carry its blessings with them.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Chuba Imchen explained that Moatsü involves sharing and forgiving one another, and is observed after the completion of the sowing season to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Greetings were delivered by Chümoukedima Village Council chairman Razüovotuo Chatsu and Eastern Naga Peoples Union Chümoukedima president Chumriba Sangtam. The programme began with an opening act by Medemma Zunga, followed by folk fusion presented by Anüpang Ola. Cultural presentations were showcased by Ongpangkong, Jangpetkong and Langpangkong Senso Telungjem, while indigenous games were organised by the Ao Youth Organisation, Chümoukedima.
The event was compered by Soyim and Wangshirenla, with invocation offered by Dr. Imtisangba, pastor of Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Arogo. ASTC president Dr. Moa Walling delivered the welcome address. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Moatsü Planning Committee convenor Er. Manen Jamir and benediction by Rev. A. Temsu Longkumer, pastor of PBC CMD. The event concluded with a tree plantation.
At Sungratsu, Moatsu was celebrated with traditional grandeur at Sungratsu village, marked by the ceremonial awakening of the log drum, symbolising the commencement of Green Moatsu 2.0.
Hundreds of people from different walks of life gathered to witness the rhythmic beating of the log drum, a powerful cultural symbol of the Ao Naga community, formally announcing the start of the celebrations.
The programme was graced by chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen as the special guest, and was held under the theme “Sobilba Lipokum – Eco Cultural Living.”
Addressing the gathering, Imchen said Moatsu, as observed by forefathers, was traditionally associated with seeking a bountiful harvest and fostering unity within the community. He emphasised that the festival strengthens social cohesion as it transcends distinctions of class, creed or economic status.
“Moatsu strengthens unity among the people as it does not distinguish between rich and poor,” he said, adding that people from far and near come together to celebrate and share in communal feasts, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness.
He commended the people of Sungratsu for their strong sense of community and willingness to contribute towards collective welfare. He urged them to continue preserving such traditions of cooperation and mutual support.
Reflecting on changing perceptions, Imchen noted that earlier, festivals like Moatsu and Tsungremmung were viewed with apprehension by churches, leading to a decline in their observance. However, he said there has been a positive shift in mindset, with such festivals now being widely celebrated in both rural and urban areas.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural festivals in helping younger generations connect with their roots, especially those living away from their native villages. Expressing concern over the gradual erosion of language and cultural identity, he said many youths were losing touch with their mother tongue.
“If you do not know your roots and culture, how will you know your social identity?” he asked, urging the younger generation to preserve their heritage.
Earlier, speeches were delivered by Sungratsu Village Council chairman S. Bendang Aier, retired IPS officer L. Bendang Lemtur and Imlitoshi Walling.
The programme also featured traditional folk songs and dances by various cultural troupes, and concluded with a grand community feast.
Meanwhile, in Guwahati, the Ao Senso Welfare Telungjem Guwahati (ASWTG) celebrated Moatsü at Naga Chokka with enthusiasm and cultural richness. Guest speaker K. Temjen Jamir, publisher and editor of Tir Yimyim, emphasised the importance of preserving cultural values and work culture, cautioning that celebrations without meaningful effort were incomplete. He urged Ao community members outside Nagaland to contribute as “brain gain” rather than “brain drain.”
Rev. Dr. Toshirenba exhorted the gathering on the relevance of Moatsü in contemporary society, encouraging youth to embrace cultural values beyond attire. Highlights included a farmers’ market showcasing local produce, a traditional folk dance by Ao Kaketshir Telungjem Guwahati, and a children’s fashion show in Ao attire. The event also featured curated cultural merchandise and witnessed active participation from community members and invitees. Earlier, ASWTG president, Mangronger Jamir delivered the welcome speech and invocation by Rev. Puna.