Kingniu Village celebrated Khaozaosei-Hok-Ah festival which is one of the main festivals of Khiamniungans. The festival was cleberated on January 23 at Kingniu Village organised by the Lushing Kam Kingniu Nok with Arikumba, Deputy Commisioner Noklak as the special guest. A Khaozaosei-Hok-Ah festival greetings was also conveyed to the people of Kingniu Village by Benei M Lamthiu MLA 57 AC Thonoknyu through the NPP party men who attended the program led by Shou P.S to MLA 57 AC Thonoknyu and other party workers.
Stressing on the significance of festivals celebrated around the world throughout among different communities, Arikumba asserted that the celebration of Khaozaosei-Hok-Ah is a festival of feast and rest marking the end of all agricultural activities as well as giving thanks to God for a beautiful harvest. He added that what remains true and constant is the celebration of life and its hope over despair.
The DC further highlighted on the festive days governed by different ‘Activities and Tradition’ in the past days involving all sections of people thus marking the celebration by performing cultural dances, playing of indigenous games, beating of log-drum, folk songs and adorning themselves in colourful traditional attires showcasing its richness. The DC called it as a time for making peace amongst each other and sharing feast to the less privileged ones. He said that celebrating festival brings oness and staying connected with one’s roots and traditions. Mentioning on the transition of religious belief which poses a great danger for the younger generation to learn about rich cultures and traditions, the DC stressed on the importance of balancing between ‘religious belief’ and ‘Ancestral cultures and Tradition’ stating that one should take into consideration what must be traditionally practiced and what must be kept away. ‘Let us not forget the cultural legacy our forefathers left behind for us, as every society and individual is attached to their cultural heritage which defines our identity and further more fortify our self esteem,’ stated DC Arikumba.
The DC also expressed his admiration for Kingniu Village for its beautiful topography chosen by the first ancestors for patience and wisdom. Stating that Noklak is a young district with numerous challenges, the DC urged the citizens to address every challenges with oneness. He also advised the various committees under Kingniu Village to be dedicated towards their responsibility.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
During the event, the Kingniu Village presented a letter to the DC for construction of cultural hall. Pukhio GB highlighted the significance of Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah. He highlighted that the word derived from the word ‘Khaozao’ which means Bamboo cup with a straw pipe’ , ‘Sie’ means ‘a brew of local wine’. ‘Hok’ means ‘leg’ and ‘Ah’ refers to ‘rest’. Thus, the festival is all about rest and celebration with a local brew. This celebration is followed by traditional dances with a huge numbers of both men and women.
The Khaozaosei-Hok-Ah festival marked its end with a grant feast and prolonged dancing and singing by both young old filled with the spirit of merrymaking all through out.
Earlier the program was chaired by S.Pengchiang, Invocation by P.Chillio Pastor, KBC, greetings by Chettei P, Convener, and a short speech was delivered by C.Lusang VCC. The vote of thanks was presented by Sunie Hd GB and benediction pronounced by T.Tangsoi Deacon.
