Tsüngremmong, one of the premier festivals of Ao Naga, was celebrated at Mangmetong village under Mokokchung district with much fervour and gaiety.

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan gracing the festival said that Nagaland in the past had to struggle with issues that impeded peace and development and the state may lack behind other states of the country on so many fronts but with peace returning to the state, he assured that brighter days are ahead of the Nagas.

Mentioning that the last couple of years, Nagaland have witnessed its economy growing at a good rate to which he said, is a by-product of peace.

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The Governor lauded how the Ao Nagas have pioneered in various fields – be it in education, politics, social, cultural or economics.

“Mokokchung have produced so many notable people who we proudly remember. This stands as a testament to the fact that the Ao’s are hardworking, enterprising and intelligent people,” added the Governor.

He mentioned that it was his first attendance in any Naga festival after assuming the office of the Governor of Nagaland and expressed his happiness to be attending Tsüngremmong festival at Mangmetong village, which is also the biggest festival of the Ao community.

The Governor also expressed his happiness to celebrate the festival under an atmosphere of peace because every festival is supposed to be celebrated with cheerful spirit.

Further, La Ganesan emphasized on the essence of good practices of one’s culture which should be preserved and propagated.

“It is imperative to inculcate the rich heritage and values that are witnessed and practised during the festival period, and should be preserved and passed down to our future generations. Our forefathers were hardworking people who toiled hard in their fields and celebrated the fruits of their labour through festivals. Likewise, we should work hard as success has no shortcut. Though our forefathers were simple farmers, they were self-sufficient and were also skilled craftsmen. But there are not many youngsters taking up such skills as a profession today. So, I urge the youth to revisit your roots, learn about the good practices of the past and inculcate them in your lives,” added the Governor.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, in his address at Mangmetong, lauded the Ao community for not having even a single illegal immigrant (Bangladeshi) in Mokokchung district adding that other districts should learn from this example.

“The commendable and massive efforts put together by the district citizens, leaders, youth and students in keeping the district as illegal immigrant free should be learned and practiced by the rest of the district,” added Patton.

He also mentioned that Nagas have a lot to learn from the Ao community in all fields -Christianity, education and many more.

“You have lots to teach the rest of us Nagas. It was you who pioneered Christianity and infused it in all interiors and tribes of Nagaland so, we also thank you for this,” said Patton.

(PC: @YanthungoPatton/Twitter) < Insert caption >

Notably, Patton said that the successive Government of Nagaland, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have been encouraging all the tribes of Nagas to preserve our rich culture and heritage by way of providing funds for organizing Hornbill and Mini Hornbill Festivals every year across the State and which has been well taken not only by the indigenous people but also by the people all over the world.

The festival was marked by cultural performances, indigenous games followed by Tsüngremmong feast.