Chaga Gadi & Lamsimngyi Cum Mini Hornbill Festival was celebrated in Tening Town, Peren on 31 October with Advisor Water Resources Namri Nchang as the Chief Host.
Organised by Liangmai Council Nagaland, the event was celebrated under the theme ‘Rekindling our culture’.
The Chaga Gadi in Liangmai dialect literally means the Blessed Festival. During this time of the year, the menfolk observe strict abstinence from physical indulgence in order to sanctify themselves for good fortune in the coming year.
The festival begins on the twenty-seventh day of the lunar month called Chagahiu i.e., October and continues till the day of the new moon.
The sanctification ritual will entail menfolk to consume food cooked separately by themselves with new fire made in the traditional way and with no involvement of womenfolk in their affair.
Lamsimngyi is one of the most popular Zeliang festivals, celebrated with great pomp and gaiety usually during the last part of October or early November. It is also a festival of the rekindling of the loving relationships between parents and married daughters/sons, between families of sisters and brothers, and between the family of the married niece and the chosen maternal uncle’s family. The festival also features games and sports competitions for boys and youths.
Advisor of Water Resources Namri Nchang, in his address, lauded the organising committee and the dignitaries present in the occasion for making the program a grand success.
He spoke on the preservation of one’s unique identity and rich cultural heritage.
With the coming of Christianity, we have left behind the good traditional and cultural practices which will hamper the future of the society and community, Nchang said.
He emphasised that people should start re-orienting the practices as it will result in the unity of the community through festivals like Chaga Gadi and Lamsimngyi festivals even in the coming days to help rebuild the lost practices.
During the programme, NZPO President Kevipelie gave a brief highlight on the significance of Chaga Gadi and Lamsimngyi, while ADC Jalukie T L Kiusumong delivered the keynote address.
Cultural dances and traditional songs were performed by Old Tesen Cultural Troupe, Tening Village Cultural Troupe, Nzau Village Cultural Troupe, Nsong Village Cultural Troupe, Old Nkio Village Cultural Troupe and Nchangram Village Cultural Troupe. A special presentation was also performed by Makuilongdi Lun Choir.
Later in the evening, athletic events were held followed by a cultural session and Chaga-Vaganza Nite.
The second day of the festival was held on 1 November. The occasion was graced by Benjamin Newmai, Retd Comm & Secy Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Highlights of the programme included playing of indigenous games such as shotput, long jump and marathon race where youths from Tening Town and neighbouring villages took active part in the competition.
