Curtains came down on the 4-day record breaking “Nagaland Revival & Healing Festival 2025” held at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex Dimapur Friday with attendance soaring to another record of around 1.95 lakh attendees according to organizers. In all four days, the total attendance was- (40,000+70,000+1,0,000 +1,95,000)= 4,05,000. This is a record in Nagaland for a privately organized function.
The entire 4-day service billed as ‘festival’ was extended to Friday, owing to intense demand. It was organized by a group of millennials calling themselves as – The Gatekeepers.
Before the service began on the last night, Apostle Ankit Sajwan, in a striking act of humility with his wife, Pastor Monika Sajwan, washed the feet of a representatives of each tribe present. The gesture, drawn from John 13, symbolised servanthood and Christ’s love, moving many in the crowd to tears. Sajwan described it as “the true heart of leadership—serving, not being served.”
Addressing the gathering, Sajwan declared that while the festival had ended, “the revival is not going to stop. Wherever we go, we will take the revival with us.” He emphasised that Christianity is defined not by activity or ministry but by union with God, adding, “The deeper the union with Christ, the weaker sin becomes.”
Highlighting healing as central to the Gospel, Sajwan cited multiple scriptures to stress that salvation and healing are part of God’s “full benefit package,” flowing from the same heart of compassion.
He said “Religion put a full stop where God placed a comma,” and stressed that God continues to forgive sins and heal diseases, offering both freely to those who come to Him. Citing John 6:2 and Matthew 4:25, Apostle Ankit said crowds followed Jesus because of His miracles, not because of refined sermons. On this he questioned why the modern Church struggles to impact the nation. “People are tired of hearing only what happened 2,000 years ago. They want to encounter the living Jesus today,” he said.
Sajwan urged believers to embrace healing as central to the Gospel, stand boldly in faith, and recognise that when God heals through people, “it only glorifies Him.” He acknowledged critics of healing existed in Jesus’ time and argued jealousy and resistance remain today.
Prophesying over Nagaland, Sajwan said Generation Z would rise in prophetic boldness, choosing church over pubs and wine shops, and become revivalists leading India in testimonies of healing and transformation.
“This revival is birthing a generation that will inherit promises and demonstrate the Kingdom,” he declared. Encouraging attendees to share testimonies online, he added, “Jesus is the healer, and a wave of testimonies is breaking out.”
As lights dimmed and prayers rose, many attendees reported physical relief, emotional healing, and freedom from long-held burdens. Organisers said they have begun compiling testimonies ranging from the easing of chronic pain to individuals claiming deliverance from addiction and depression. The Gatekeepers thanked the crowd for the peaceful turnout, calling the event “a watershed moment in Nagaland’s spiritual history” and the start of “a fresh wave of revival.” As the final worship resounded through the MSDC, thousands raised candles and hands, signaling end of the festival but not the revival.
‘Go back to the word,’ Apostle Ankit urges Nagas
Apostle Ankit Sajwan, speaking to the media after the conclusion of the Revival & Healing Festival in Dimapur, delivered a heartfelt message to the people of Nagaland, urging them to return to the foundation of their faith- the Word of God.
Asked what message he wished to convey to Nagas during the Christmas and New Year season, Apostle Sajwan said that the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not merely events to commemorate, but the very basis through which believers can live a victorious Christian life.
He said victory over sin, death and sickness is possible “because of what Jesus has already done,” emphasising that believers must anchor their lives in Scripture.
“And my heart is burning with this message for all my family in Nagaland—to go back to the Word of God. To not keep traditions above the Word of God,” he stated.
Quoting Scripture, he added, “Jesus said the traditions of men have made the Word of God of none effect. We must return to the purity of God’s Word, become like little children, and simply believe what the Bible says.”
Reflecting on the four-day revival meetings, Apostle Sajwan expressed joy at what he described as an overwhelming response from the people. “We were expecting a large gathering, but more importantly, we wanted to build faith in Nagaland. It was amazing. Nagaland has always been close to our heart, and coming here feels like coming back to family,” he said.
On whether he plans to visit the state again, he expressed hope of returning next year, though he stressed that the decision would be dependent on God’s will. “We would love to come back whenever God wills, and we’ll see,” he added.