On the 5th of June, 2024, the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me Bangalore (PNTMB) celebrated the Paonii festival for the first time outside of Manipur held at All Saints Church.
Esli Vemai, President, PNTMB, urged various communities in Bangalore to embrace unity and harmony through cultural programs like Paonii and other traditional events in his addressal.
The festival showcased a vibrant display of culture, food, knowledge and community, which marked a historic and significant milestone in the diaspora’s efforts to preserve and share their rich heritage with the broader community, despite the weather conditions.
Paonii is traditionally celebrated to mark the beginning of the planting season, deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of the Poumai Nagas which symbolise gratitude, prosperity, and communal spirit, the festival includes rituals, folk dances, songs, sports, and a feast. The event hosted various bands, artists, wrestling matches, activities and concluded with a feast featuring traditional Poumai Naga dishes. Many dignitaries and guests from across the city also received first hand experience in Poumai’s rich culture and lauded the PNTMB for highlighting the significance of the event.
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The wrestling match was the limelight of the evening, whereby, Hriipu (Tungam) emerged as the winner, Dalounii (Khongdei) as the runner-up, and Nammoh (Khongdei) and Paveio (Tungam) securing third place. The winners were acknowledged with prizes, and the top two received hoodies presented by Weaver Bees Hoodies, the co-sponsor of the event.The celebration acted as a medium to instill a sense of cultural identity in the younger generation for the Poumai Nagas living in Bangalore. It demonstrated the power of community and tradition in bringing people together, fostering understanding, and enriching the urban cultural landscape.
The event, co-sponsored by Weaver Bees and designed by Visual Perception, drew eager crowds to experience the traditions and flavours of the Poumai Naga community. The evening was staged by Damaris Paoh and Padone Bliss, with the invocation blessing delivered by P. Silas, Deacon, PNBCB.
