A strong message on preserving the originality of Ao Naga culture marked the opening of the four-day Tsüngremmung Festival 2026 at Longsa Village on Friday evening, as villagers gathered at the Community Hall for a traditional cultural competition celebrating the community’s enduring heritage.

The festival, organised by the Longsa Village Council (LVC) under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, was graced by the Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsübo Jamir, who attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. MLA Benei M Lamthiu, MMC Councillors and other distinguished guests attended the occasion.

In his address, Jamir emphasised that Longsa’s cultural identity should remain authentic and undivided, asserting that the village’s customs, attire, language and traditions must be preserved in their original form. He cautioned against altering inherited practices to suit changing trends, saying the strength of Longsa lies in maintaining the legacy handed down through generations.

Highlighting the significance of cultural continuity, the Minister observed that traditions do not change on their own but are sustained by the people who practise them. He urged the villagers, particularly the younger generation, to value their language, traditional attire and customs and described them as ‘invaluable assets’ that define the identity of Longsa Village.

To support cultural preservation, Jamir announced a financial contribution towards the village’s corpus fund and encouraged the community to strengthen the fund through constructive initiatives dedicated to safeguarding their heritage. At the same time, he remarked that the spirit of the festival should not revolve around competition alone, but should serve as a platform for protecting, nurturing and passing on Longsa’s original ethnic identity.

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The occasion witnessed two traditional competitive events Wadang Ken (Ladies )and Lidem Meyu (Men). Five teams representing the village’s four khels: Lion’s Club, Eagle Club, Salang Club and Citizen Club, along with the Mokokchung Longsa Unit, participated in both categories.

After evaluating the performances on the basis of traditional techniques, coordination and overall presentation, the panel of judges comprising Noklenrenba, Alemmeren, Masalemba, Rarenkala, Satemkala and Repalila declared Lion’s Club as the winner of the Wadang Ken competition, and Mokokchung Longsa Unit finished as runners up. In the Lidem Meyu competition, Eagle Club secured the championship title, while Lion’s Club claimed the runners up position.

The winning teams in both categories will present their respective performances during the main Tsüngremmung Festival celebration on August 1. The programme would be graced by G Ikuto Zhimomi, MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, as the Guest of Honour, while S Keoshu Yimkhiung, MLA and Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, will attend as the Honoured Guest.

Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, will serve as the Chief Host.

Winners and runners-up were also presented with cash awards in recognition of their performances.

The inaugural programme also featured a performance of Ku Kongki (traditional cup violin) by Alemyongba, followed by the prize distribution ceremony. The programme commenced with an invocation by Wapang, Associate Pastor of Longsa Baptist Arogo (LBA), while LVC Chairman Akangjungshi Tatar delivered the welcome address. The vote of thanks was proposed by Jongpongtemshi Tatar.