Nzaunalui Union Jalukie Valley (NUJV) celebrated Nsim Ngi festival at Dr. Tumda Newme compound, Jalukie Pungchi on October 30 with member, Nagaland legislative assembly & former chief minister, T.R. Zeliang as special guest.
According to a DIPR report, while speaking on the occasion, T.R. Zeliang congratulated Nzaunalui Union Jalukie Valley for taking the initiative in organising the Nsim Ngi festival.
He said that in spite of the physical and economical challenges by being located in the southernmost part of the state, bordering to Assam and Manipur, the Nzauna villagers were traditionally enlightened and had a deep sense of responsibility towards the society.
He highlighted the uniqueness of Zeliangrong traditional attires, ornaments, hornbill and amur falcon dance. Stating that religion and traditional practices should not be misunderstood as one, he encouraged the gathering to be wise to choose the positive aspects of traditional practices. Zeme Council Nagaland president, Dr. Tumda Newme stressed on preservation of culture and tradition and emphasised on the importance of Zeliangrong dances and songs which were conceptualised in the beauty of nature.
The programme was hosted by R. Andrew Disong and Kidwayile Disong, which began with a special number by Nangkamlak Pame, Welcome address was delivered by NUJV chairman, Haipham Pame and vote of thanks by NUJV vice chairman, Shilu.
The celebration witnessed various cultural dances such as Herie lim (Hornbill Dance), Awoi lim (Amur Falcon Dance) and Rehoi lim (Howling Dance) performed by NUJV.
Apart from cultural dances the gathering also saw the play of Nra Zube (Single string Violin) and Ntiam Mmutbe (Flute) performed by Haiguateung Newme and Dirua Disuang.
It may be mentioned that Nsim Ngi festival is one of the most popular Zeme festival celebrated during last of October and early November. During the festival, menfolk from both upper and lower Morungs would clean up the big and long stretches of village footpaths with spade directing towards the jhum fields which in Zeme, is called, “Kepheu pualu Lamdi Simbe”. It is also a festival of rekindling of the living relationship between parents and married daughters or sons, families of sisters and brothers and between families of married nieces and the chosen maternal uncle’s family.