The Chang community kicked started its premier festival, Poang Lum Mini Hornbill Festival, under the theme “Propelling Cultural Values”, on January 10 at Loyem Memorial ground in Tuensang. The festivity is organized by the Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) and sponsored by the government of Nagaland.
According to a DIPR report, the inaugural program of the festival under the theme “Densieh” (entrepreneurship) was inaugurated by advisor for Irrigation and Flood Control, Namri Nchang as special guest. Namri applauded the government of Nagaland for giving opportunities to all the tribes of Nagaland through organizing such events to retrieve cultures and traditions of the State’s tribals.
He maintained that the idea of the government was to run the hornbill festival throughout the year with respective tribes of Nagaland which will contribute to the production of more entrepreneurs among educated youth along with reviving cultural and traditional practices of the tribes.
Tribal guest of the event, Khiamniungan Tribal Council president, Ngoun Khiamniungan, in his short speech mentioned the age old bond between the Chang and Khiamniungan community where he also proclaimed brotherhood and peace among communities. President CKS, Nungsang Lemba gave a presentation on the significance of the Poang Lum.
Minister Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, CM Chang was the host of the program and additional SP Tuensang, Lempoksng Lemtur, was the co-host of the event. Head GB C/Khel Tuensang village, Sangkhum Chang and executive secretary CBLT, Rev Achu Chang initiated the heralding of the celebrations.
The special guest also inaugurated the stalls, which was followed by cultural items presented by the Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe, Tuensang Village Cultural Troupe, Pangan Chia, Hakchang Cultural Troupe, Ü-Chia Nakshou Cultural Troupe, Chongli Chia, Haak Cultural Troupe, Lo Chia and Chingmei Cultural.
Highlights of the evening program included the Miss Chang Beauty Pageant competition under the theme “Reflections of Perfection” organized by Changsao Thangjam Setshang, with ENWO president, Ayong Chang as the special guest.