The second edition of the 11-day Cosmos (Nraipa) cum Lekie Cai Festival commenced at Peletkie village in Peren district on Saturday, showcasing the region’s indigenous heritage, traditional salt-making practices and agricultural potential.
Organised by the Lekie Mtei Nko (LMN), the apex body of the three sister villages of Peletkie, Deukwaram and Lekieram, the festival will continue until October 20, featuring cultural presentations, local produce and community-based economic activities.
Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, attended the inaugural programme as special guest, representing the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland in charge of Planning and Transformation and National Highways.
Addressing the gathering, Meru commended the organising committee for its innovative presentation of indigenous heritage, particularly the live demonstration of traditional salt preparation. He said the initiative enabled visitors to witness the processing technique at the festival venue, without having to travel to the remote salt-extraction sites located far beyond the village.
He urged the younger generation to preserve and practise traditions passed down by their elders, noting that Peletkie had gained wider recognition since last year by using social media to promote its distinctive cosmos plantations.
Meru appreciated the villagers for using digital platforms to promote their local resources and strengthen the village economy. Highlighting Lekie Cai as a unique and valued traditional product used widely in Peren district and neighbouring areas, he encouraged the community to develop structured plans to modernise and expand salt production.
He also assured the village of administrative support and urged the community to explore geographical indication (GI) registration for its traditional salt to enhance its identity, recognition and market potential.
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Turning to employment and livelihood opportunities, the Deputy Commissioner encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, hard work and the dignity of labour. He observed that government employment opportunities had reached a point of saturation and urged youth to explore alternative avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
The inaugural programme was compered by Ngautube R Zeliang and Idosile Miliang, while Lekie Baptist Church pastor Peusibe Kenn offered the invocation prayer.
Organising committee chairman Dilam Haisobe delivered the keynote address. The programme also featured a traditional salt song presented by Suihakpe Miliang and a cosmos song performed by Indule and Ramyiheing Chamlak.
The formal session concluded with remarks by Lekie Mtei Nko general secretary Iliegongbe Miliang, followed by a benediction from Lekie Mtei Mission Board chairman Namhingheing Disong.
The festival grounds have been arranged to accommodate visitors throughout the 11-day celebration, with local food and tea stalls, organic vegetable markets and designated campsites for overnight stays.
Visitors travelling from Dimapur can reach Peletkie in approximately two and a half hours via the 7th Mile–Pimla–Jalukie road. Those travelling from Kohima can expect a journey of around two and a half to three hours via the Khonoma–Heunambe village route along the Hausum Khel Resort–Benreu road.
The festival will continue until October 20, offering visitors opportunities to experience the area’s traditional practices, agricultural produce and cultural heritage.
