The last day of Aoleang festival, the premier festival of the Konyak tribe, was celebrated at Local Ground, Mon Town with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the chief guest.

Rio, speaking at the event, said that the Konyak Nagas have a superior quality amongst other tribes of the state. Stressing on the significance of the festival which is celebrated in remembrance of the struggles and hard work of the forefathers, Rio challenged the community to strive like the forefathers and noted that without hard work there can be no celebration.

Commending the performance of Ükha children beating the log drum, Rio said “Preserving of the culture, folks songs, dances and traditions is very important.”

Chief Minister praised the handworks – wood carving, weaving, bamboo crafts, making of gun and its powders – the songs and dances of the Konyak tribe and said that the tribe is very special.

Expressing his great delight to be a part of the festival Rio appealed to the community to continually pray for peace and development and the future of Nagas so we can march forward together for the betterment of the State.

Stressing on the significance of the festival (Aoleang Langvun), T. Yanlem said that the six-day festival is as old as the people itself. It is celebrated all throughout the lands of the Konyak as a means of conveying a message of unity, integrity, love, affection, sharing and continuity of culture and tradition so that the coming generations will keep on learning its importance in the context of modern civilisation.

“This celebration marks the end of cold hostile winner and the beginning of warm season that is why it is called in other words spring festival,” he added.

Further, Yanlem said, “In the olden days Aoleang celebration was more ritualistic, people had faith and believed on ritual activities but today with the advent of the Christianity the Aoleang festival has become more of a social gathering and exhibition of culture and attires, etc.”

Meanwhile, Mon Chamber of Choir performed Folk fusion and Children of Ükha Village also performed the beating of log drum, male cultural troupes- Wayin Union, Totok Union and Chen Area Nokten Union and female cultural troupes- Tobu Area Union, Mopong Hongkong Union, Sangyin Union and Sheanghah Sheko Khong also performed on the occasion.

Earlier Rev. N Sheipa, Konyak Union executive Council (UEC) Member Konyak Union pronounced the invocation, Ceremonial opening of Aoleang festival was delivered by Aching, Angh of Nyahnyu Village and welcome address was delivered by Tingthok Konyak, President, KU and vote of thanks was proposed by H.A Hongnao Konyak, Vice President, KU.

(Photo credit : T Longshing Bumen)