The second day of Khaozaosei-Hok-Ah festival on January 19 at Noklak witnessed the festive indigenous sports being held with members of the Khiamniungan community competing among each other. Under the initiative of Khiamniungan Sports Council, the indigenious sports and games for men included Cross bow shooting , stilt bamboo race, spear throw, cock fight, top spin, traditional fire making, high jump while a Tug of War was also held for the women.
Special guest H. Shou Lam, Deputy Director, Department of Sericulture extended his appreciation to the state government for taking up such initiatives in enabling to preserve culture and traditions for each tribes. Lam also thanked the KSC for hosting the event with the motive to bring back indigenous games. With indigeneity degrading, Lam acknowledged that the State government has taken the right step. ‘Without culture, it’s like a people without identity card,’ stated Shou, asserting that it is very necessary in every aspects of life. With the world is in a transitional stage, the Special Guest reflected on the negative impacts especially of substance abuse and other foreign influences on the youth. Lam also drew attention to the endangered wildlife and natural resources in Nagaland.
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“It is high time to take the responsibility to look into the matters,” said Lam who also stressed on the need to sustain and pass down one’s cultures to younger generation. The need to revive the age old virtues of Naga values along side indigenous games and cuisines was also amplified. While Naga traditions were mostly based on oral narratives, Shou Lam urged the gathering to make use of Technology to preserve cultures in the form of photos and documentations.
The later part of the festival witnessed a musical night with Nagaland’s renowned artist Mengu Soukhrie joined by other various local artists from the district. The musical night was hosted by Thongkoi LS. Miss Khiamniungan 2023.
The program was hosted by T. Musho Lam President, Khiamniungan Sports Council who also delivered the introductory note with Chongkoi K as the emcee and a special number by Lengnio C . The thanksgiving was delivered by Langshen K, Pastor Baptist Church Thang .
