Chuchuyimlang Village under Mokokchung district will celebrate the Moatsü festival on May 1 at Anü Mai Amphitheatre, Chuchuyimlang, which has been designated as the “Moatsü destination” village of the state in 2000 by the government of Nagaland. The programme will be graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Y. Patton, as the Guest of Honour. Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, will attend as the Special Guest, while MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer will also grace the occasion.
Addressing a press conference in this regard, Ao Senden President Ao Sanen Pongen stated that the Chuchuyimlang Village Council, in collaboration with Tourism Organizing Committee is organising the Moatsü Festival on May 1. He said that Chuchuyimlang has been celebrating Moatsü since the inception of the village, as practiced across Mokokchung district, and noted that during the time of their forefathers, particularly the Kosasanger Putu (generation), the tradition of inviting dignitaries and organizing formal celebrations began.
He highlighted that the celebration of Moatsü in Chuchuyimlang is distinct due to its unique tradition of inviting villages from other tribes, locally known as “Ancha,” a cherished age-old tradition. Owing to this tradition, the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, declared Chuchuyimlang as the Moatsü destination village in the year 2000, following which the village has continued to celebrate the festival annually. He further remarked that at a time when many villages in Mokokchung district were on the verge of discontinuing the celebration, Chuchuyimlang sustained the observance of Moatsü by continuing it every year.
Pongen stated that this year’s celebration has been planned on a larger scale with the participation of important dignitaries and invited villages from different tribes under the “Ancha” tradition. He expressed hope that the festival would be conducted successfully with wide participation.
Rongsen GB, while narrating the significance of Moatsü, stated that the festival has been observed since time immemorial and continues as part of inherited tradition. Explaining the meaning of “Moatsü,” he said that each year, the community clears forest areas for cultivation, including paddy and other crops, by cutting vegetation, burning the debris, and carrying out sowing.
He added that as crops begin to grow, they remain vulnerable to wild animals and weather conditions, and therefore, during Moatsü, prayers are offered to the Almighty seeking protection of crops and blessings for a good harvest.
The chairman of the organising committee stated that the “Ancha” tradition dates back to the time of their great grandparents and has been maintained with tribes such as Phom, Konyak, Chang, and Sangtam. He informed that for this year’s celebration, cultural troupes from two tribes – Phom and Chang, will participate, with Pongching village representing the Phom tribe and Chakpa village representing the Chang tribe. In addition, village council members from Changlangshu village of the Konyak tribe under Mon district have also been invited.
He further detailed that several villages have been invited under the “Ancha” tradition, including Okha village from the Konyak tribe; Yachem, Yaongyimchen, Orangkong, Pongu, Hukpang and Pongching villages from the Phom tribe; Yaongyimti Old, Yaongyimti New, Chakpa, Longra, Yangpi and Yali villages from the Chang tribe; and Chungliyimti village from the Sangtam tribe.
Speaking on the origin of the “Ancha” tradition, the chairman stated, “During the headhunting days, Chuchuyimlang played a crucial role in making peace between villages engaged in such practices. Because of this role, the village established and continues the ‘Ancha’ tradition of inviting neighbouring villages from other tribes to participate in the Moatsü celebration.” He added that the tradition has helped strengthen inter-tribal relations and bonds over time.
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On the declaration of Chuchuyimlang as the Moatsü destination village, the chairman said, “Though the declaration was made in 2000, the village has not received any financial assistance from the government till date, and the celebration is managed entirely through contributions and donations from the villagers.” He further stated that with the increasing cost of organising such festivals, they might plan to approach the government for assistance in the future.
Highlighting what is different this year, the chairman said, “Besides inviting cultural troupes from two tribes, we have invited all villages with whom we share the ‘Ancha’ tradition, which was not done earlier.” He added that all participating villages have been requested to attend in their traditional attire, including those from the Sangtam, Phom, Chang, and Konyak communities. From the Ao community, Unger village and Yongyimsen village will present cultural performances representing the host community.
He also informed that formal invitations have been extended to villages such as Salulamang and Kelingmen, among others, and extended an open invitation to all Ao and Naga communities to participate in the festival and seek blessings, noting that Moatsü is a festival centred on invoking divine blessings.
As part of the programme, Moatsü 2026 will also feature a “Tug of War” competition between Dimapur Area Chuchuyimlang Senso Telongjem and Chuchuyimlang Senso Union, Kohima. A Moatsü Carnival is scheduled from April 30 to May 2.
The evening session on May 1 will include the third edition of the Moatsü Mung concert, organised by the ASHIPO Society, Chuchuyimlang, beginning at 6 pm. Zasivikho Zakiesato, President of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF), will attend as the Special Guest.
The chairman informed that the ASHIPO Society has also organised online solo contest related to Moatsü celebrations, with winners being given an opportunity to perform during the evening programme. The concert will feature guest artists Keniesenuo Sorhie and Aseno Metha, along with other local artists.
