Nagaland: 1st Taro Festival begins at Pongo village

The two-day, first edition of Taro Festival commenced at Pongo village under Longleng district on December 5, on the theme “Rooted in Culture, a Journey of Heritage.” The festival was organised by the Department of Horticulture.
Gracing the occasion as special guest, A. Pongshi Phom MLA expressed appreciation to the organisers and participants for hosting the inaugural edition of the festival. He noted that Nagaland celebrates a variety of agri-based festivals such as Banana Festival at Wokha, Apple Festival at Thanamir, Pongro (Kiphire), Naga King Chilli Festival at Peren, Cucumber Festival at Aliba village (Mokokchung), Potato Festival at Jakhama (Kohima), and Garlic Festival at Khonoma (Kohima).
Pongshi highlighted that taro is consumed widely across the state as a staple and alternative to rice, and is also valued as a gift. He said Pongo village produces some of the finest taros, consumed even beyond the district, and expressed optimism that the festival would serve as a stepping stone towards socio-economic development.
He urged youth to overcome complacency and embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that self-employment and skill-based initiatives were vital for economic growth. He cautioned against shortcuts to profit and discouraged illegal taxation, which he said undermines the vision of young entrepreneurs. Pongshi called for judicious implementation of government welfare schemes and assured support for initiatives such as construction of marketing and storage facilities, identification of transport agencies, provision of tools and equipment, healthcare support for farmers, scientific cultivation methods, and subsidies. He also inaugurated the horticulture marketing shed.
Deputy Commissioner Longleng, W. Manpai Phom, in his address, extended season’s greetings and congratulated the organisers. He said the festival was significant as the first of its kind in the district and informed that a technical session with experts from KVK Longleng would be held to promote scientific cultivation. He added that the event was organised as part of the Hornbill Festival and noted that Pongo village, declared a tourist village by the government, holds historical importance. He encouraged youth to explore opportunities to promote tourism in the village.
District Horticulture Officer Longleng, Talimeran, lauded the farmers for their dedication, stating that the festival was a celebration of their hard work. Greetings were also delivered by Phom People’s Council president, Y.B. Angam, and Pongo village council chairman, T. Lakba Keikung.
Head GB of Pongo village, P. Khangyong, spoke on the festival theme, while Festival Organising Committee secretary, Aye Keikung, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with blessings pronounced by associate pastor for women, Pongo Baptist Church, C. Thempong.
The event featured cultural performances including a song “Vibrant Messenger” by W.K.C and a folk dance “Melodious of the Homeland” by Nanglang Hongnyu Society. Invocation was pronounced by pastor of Pongo Baptist Church, B. Chingmei Phom.