The Poumai community celebrated Thounii Festival (New Year festival or festival of dawn), one of the biggest festival of the Poumais, under the theme “Culture for progress” at Lakhamai village. The celebration was organized by Poumai Naga Union with Manipur MLA, K. Leishiyo Keishing as chief guest, on January 5.
Keishing, in his address based on the theme, spoke about the importance of culture for the society to progress.
According to him, if culture is not preserved, identity would vanish soon. He reminded the gathering that Nagas should not forget their roots and their ancestors’ cultural virtues like sincerity, honesty and hard work.
Keishing lauded the efforts of the Poumai tribe in organizing the festival celebration annually to preserve the culture of their forefathers.
He stressed on the importance of preserving the forests and land on which tribal people depend on for their livelihood. The forests and land are also closely related to the culture and tradition for making clothes, cultivation, producing food items and other things, he added. He advised villagers to not exploit the forest for selfish benefits.
The MLA also shared some words on the importance of the Forest Dwellers Act (FDA) 2006 for tribals.
Chairman ADC Senapati Manipur, ML Markson, in his address as special guest said preserving culture was very important as it retains identity. He lamented that many Nagas were losing the valuable cultures of their forefathers and are starting to adopt western culture.
He reminded the gathering that dance, song and food alone are not culture but upholding the dignity and virtues of the forefathers constitute the act of preserving culture.
He also stressed on the importance of building good relationships with neighbours and creating a cordial atmosphere for developmental activities.
Director Human Resource development and Employment North Eastern Council Ministry of DoNER GOI, KH. Siile Anthony, in his address as one of the special guests, challenged the community to preserve forests and nature for the upcoming generations.
He advised the people to teach the positive aspects of culture to the younger generations so that they may be passed down to upcoming generations.
Naga People’s Organization president, Solomon Arow, in his address stressed on the need to preserve and promote culture saying that without culture, identity is lost. He said the present generation should preserve and protect culture.
President PNU, L. Soloni Pao in his presidential address said this festival was celebrated to preserve and rejuvenate culture.
Earlier, the chief guest unveiled the festival monolith.
The program was compeered by Kh. Hragaolou and Khrune Sha, and led by Th. Sokho George. It started with a traditional blessing offered by Th. Houba, chief of Kodom Khullen village. The host village demonstrated traditional fire making, a folk song was presented by Lakhamai village, cultural items were performed by Sirong village and Phaomai. J. Kumo Sha, general secretary PNU, proposed a vote of thanks, and the benediction prayer was said by Rev. H. David pastor LBC.
The celebration was attended by thousands of delegates from 80 villages, dignitaries, ADC members, government officials, and members of the public.