The third day of the Chega Gaadi/Lamsim Ngyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 was celebrated at Beikingpuichak, District Headquarter, Peren on October 31, with Minister of Power, KG Kenye, attending as the Special Guest. The programme was hosted by MLA and Chairman, DPDB Peren, Namri Nchang. The Tribal Guests included Vice-President of the Angami Public Organisation, Vikehelie Victor Khawakhrie and President of the Chakhesang Public Organisation, Vezuhu Keyho.
Addressing the gathering, KG Kenye expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation of both the young and elderly members of the community in celebrating the festival. He highlighted the importance of culture as a cornerstone of society, stating that it embodies the social, political and historical values that define a community’s identity. He emphasised the need to preserve the rich cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.
He also expressed gratitude to God for the district being spared from major natural calamities, while acknowledging the blessings of a bountiful harvest and the opportunity to celebrate the festival in an atmosphere of peace and happiness.
Reflecting on the relationship between Christianity and indigenous traditions, he called upon church leaders and the Christian community to harmonise Christian teachings with the preservation of indigenous cultural values, stressing that faith and culture should complement each other in shaping a morally upright and culturally conscious younger generation.
In his address, Namri Nchang, the Chief Host of the festival emphasized that festivals should not merely be celebrated through outward festivities but with an understanding of their true cultural significance. Recalling how their forefathers celebrated festivals with discipline, love, unity and togetherness, he urged the people to uphold the same spirit.
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He also expressed concern over the younger generation’s declining use of their mother tongue, stating that even some members of the Zeliangrong community are unable to speak their own dialect. He urged parents to encourage their children to practise their mother tongue from an early age and stressed the importance of preserving their culture, traditions and roots rather than being overly influenced by Western lifestyles.
Vikehelie Victor Khawakhrie, in his brief address, highlighted the significance of festivals as a platform for promoting unity, strengthening friendships and fostering togetherness among people from different walks of life. He appreciated the participation of different tribes in their colourful traditional attires, describing it as a reflection of unity and the vision of the organising leaders. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the common language, Tenyidie, and encouraged the younger generation to revisit and promote the language as a means of strengthening cultural bonds.
Vezuhu Keyho in his speech stated that Chega Gaadi and Lamsim Ngyi reflect the rich cultural heritage, customs and values of the Zeliangrong community. He highlighted the festivals’ significance in promoting thanksgiving, unity and the preservation of ancestral traditions, while providing an opportunity for younger generations to learn and carry forward their cultural identity. He further emphasised that cultural celebrations strengthen mutual understanding, promote friendship among different communities and uphold the spirit of unity, respect and peaceful co-existence
The programme was compered by Namgwangheile, while it commenced with a welcome address by President of Zeliangrong Baudi (N), K Francis Zeliang, followed by a series of cultural presentations showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the participating communities. Koksui was presented by Peren Village, followed by cultural performances from Samziuram Village, Nzauna Village and the Kachari Tribe.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by President of Zeme Council Nagaland, Ernest Sephe.
