The Mungmung Festival cum Mini Hornbill concluded today at Kiphire. The event was organised by United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) in collaboration with Nagaland Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The Chief Guest at today’s programme, Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer, NCS said, “Let us also honour the pass on the traditions of our ancestors in a way that they will live on for coming years.” The DC also said that as Christians, one should look forward for a better future not just for our tribesmen but also for our neighbours and brothers in harmony and unity.
Stating that Mungmung festival resonates the very vibrant culture of Nagas, Longkumer urged all to cherish tradition and history. He lauded the people for coming together from all corners of the district and said that it is a wonderful blessing,
“May the message of this festival be clear and loud for all to see the majestic display of culture, folksong, folk dance, war dance and other rich inherited heritage of Sangtam Nagas”, the DC remarked in conclusion.
Earlier, the welcome address was given by Kipitong, Vice President, USLP, Chopongkyu, Senior Pastor, KTBL pronounced the invocation and short speeches were delivered by K. Tsulise, President of Kiphire District GB’s Association and Rev Fr Philip Magh, Parish Priest, St. Peter Church.
In their solidarity speeches, Throngso, President, Yimkhiung Tribal Council and P. Timong, President, Tikhir Tribal Council, extended their gratitude towards the Sangtam people for their warm invitation. They also congratulated the organisers, USLP and its sub units, for the tireless efforts and dedication towards making Mungmung 2024 a grand success for all to witness the glorious God gifted culture.
‘Khingkheh Yeh Khi’ was presented by Phelungre Village Union Kiphire Town and a special number was performed by Albert Jingrü and Achumla Jingrü and Vote of thanks was delivered by T. Rongli Sangtam GS, USLP.
The formal program was followed by vibrant cultural displays including men’s troop dance from Seyochung Village Union Kiphire Town, Kisetong Village Union Kiphire Town, Tizu-sa Dancing Troops from Sanphure Village. Folksong ‘HaHo!’ was performed by Singrip Village Mother’s Union Kiphire Town and Longkhim/Chare Mother’s Union Kiphire Town, Phishü Khitong from Kiphire Village Mother’s Union, Kiphire Town, Kijing Khi by Longthonger Village.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune on the sideline of the program, Atsungba Sangtam, a YouTuber and Entrepreneur from Kiphire said, “This Mungmung festival of Sangtam should be celebrated every year like today, so full of energy and spirit, so that we can keep our culture and tradition alive’.
Another young photographer Benite said, “These are the times young people learn to live and know who they really are. We should never forget our history and tradition’.
