Moatsü Festival 2025 (Mini Hornbill), the grand celebration of the Ao Naga community, was officially inaugurated on May 1 by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the special guest for the opening day. Described as the largest Moatsü celebration to date in Mokokchung, the festival is a collective initiative of the Ao Legislators and the Government of Nagaland, held under the theme “Celebrating Our Roots.” Ao Naga people from all six ranges—Ongpangkong, Asetkong, Langpangkong, Japukong, Jangpetkong, and Tzürangkong—gathered to partake in the Moatsümong celebration. The celebration is a three-day celebration, which runs from May 1 to 3.

In his address as the Special Guest, Longkumer called for a period of deep introspection within the Ao community, urging the people to reflect on the legacy of their ancestors and the values they upheld. “As we chase after progress in this fast-changing world, we often lose sight of the blessings already bestowed upon us,” he stated. “Too often, what we have becomes a casualty of what we desire. But desire and need are not the same.”

He emphasized that modernization and the rise of digital culture, while shrinking the world, have also increased the risk of cultural erosion. This, he said, is a crucial moment for the Aos to reassess their identity, their direction, and the values they wish to pass on. “This should be a time of awakening—for us to revisit the simplicity and strength of the traditions left behind by our forefathers, and to prepare our youth for a future rooted in purpose,” Longkumer added.

As Chairman of the DPDB and a representative of the people, he underscored the responsibility the Aos bear towards their rich cultural heritage. “We owe a great debt to our ancestors—not just in remembrance, but through action,” he said. He stressed the importance of preserving the community’s distinct identity by upholding the sanctity of marriage, respecting the mother tongue, and promoting Ao literature.

Reflecting on the progress the Ao tribe has made across various sectors in the state, Longkumer credited these achievements to divine grace. However, he cautioned that material progress should not come at the cost of cultural and spiritual loss. “In our pursuit of advancement, we must not become victims of our own desires,” he warned.

Looking ahead, he reminded the gathering that Ao Senden is nearing its golden jubilee. “With only five years left to this significant milestone, we must move forward with clarity, commitment, and unity,” he said. “Let these coming years be marked by renewal, revival, and a reaffirmation of our roots.”

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During his address on the “Significance of Moatsü Festival” Limanungsan emphasized hat it is a time when the Ao’s seek blessings from God for the year ahead. Traditionally, the festival marks the completion of sowing seeds in the fields and is celebrated with prayers for an abundant harvest throughout the year.

He noted that while different Ao villages once celebrated Moatsü at various times, it was the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) that took the initiative to standardize the celebration from May 1 to 3 with an effort to unify the community and ensure inclusivity. This unifying act aimed to bring all Ao people together in celebration, regardless of status—welcoming both the young and old, the small and great alike in unity.

Limanungsang also spoke about the spiritual roots of the festival, referencing Lijaba, the deity once worshipped by the Ao’s, and how Moatsü serves as a time to bless the land and give thanks.

Importantly, he emphasized that Moatsü is also a day of forgiveness. It is an opportunity for the Aos to reconcile any misunderstandings—whether between villages, neighbors, families, or individuals—and to renew unity and harmony within the community.

He encouraged the Ao community to use Moatsü as a platform to inspire unity and development, not just within the community but across the world. “Through forgiveness and togetherness,” he said, “blessings will follow, and the land will prosper.”

Thsüvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung delivered the welcome address.

The event was hosted by Lanutoshi Aier, President of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM). The opening ceremony was compered by Dr Limasenla Jamir and Lanuakum Jamir, followed by a special performance by the Note Grid School of Music and Mokokchung District GB Association (Moatsü Naklu).

Special Guest Sharingain Longkumer also inaugurated the Cultural stalls. Indigenous games such as spear throwing (Nü Tsüshishi), bamboo cutting (Nokjem) and winnowing rice (Jang Sepa Litet) saw enthusiastic participation from ward and range teams. The Inter-Ward Tug of War (Lisopur asaya toktep & Mepu-tsüngda Arr-atsütep) was officially launched by Imkongmar, MLA and Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs. All the 18 wards of Mokokchung Town participated in the Tug of War. The final will be played between Sungkomen and Salangtem wards on May 2, 2025.