The Sekrenyi cum Mini hornbill festival organised by the Angami Public Organisation (APO)was held today at the State stadium Dimapur .
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the organizers for arranging the grand ceremony of Sekrenyi, one of the biggest festivals for the Angamis. With Sekrenyi being celebrated in a cosmopolitan district like Dimapur for the first time, where everyone is gathered, Rio reflected on the significance of the festival which brings people together to revel and unite, rekindling the practices of our forefathers and emphasizing their value for the younger generation.
Through the celebration of Sekrenyi, Rio express optimism that it will promote unity by bringing people, friends, and foes together for reunification and feasting, as well as retrospection of our forefathers’ traditional values.
He expressed the hope that people understand the true spirit of Sekrenyi and strive to lead good lives, carrying on the timeless practices of ancestors. Emphasizing the Naga ancestors’ wisdom and knowledge, the Chief Minister urged the gathering to remember their selflessness and respect for nature, advising the younger generation to work hard and lead virtuous lives while remembering the love of God.
He admired the wisdom, honesty, and truthfulness of our forefathers, underscoring their leadership in society as a model for us to follow. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of documenting our cultural traditions, including local food recipes, and stressed the significance of maintaining unity and harmony with others. He conveyed that such unity and harmony would lead to blessings and the resolution of all problems, as per God’s favor.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton who graced the event as the Guest of Honor spoke on the importance of the Sekrenyi festival, calling for the purification and sanctification of Naga society to promote unity and brotherhood. He commended the Angami community for their dedication and advancements in society and encouraged living in harmony, supporting one another, and propelling Naga society to greater heights.
Meanwhile, Guest of Honour T. R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that the presence of numerous dignitaries on the stage speaks volumes about the organizers. Zeliang acknowledged the organizers for not only inviting the Angami community, but also the Nagas in general, to celebrate the festival among the Nagas. This is a festival that each community celebrates at different times, dates, and months, each with its own distinct significance and the festival brings small tribes together, with each group performing their respective cultural dances in traditional attire, said Zeliang. Expressing enthusiasm in the celebration of Sekrenyi in Dimapur, a commercial city with people from all walks of life, Zeliang stated that if such traditional and cultural celebrations are held in such manner, Nagaland will become a tourist destination throughout the year.
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‘A Ra Kezivi’ song was presented by the Angami Students’ Union while Zhato Kimho, President, Chakhroma Public Organisation deliveredd the welcome address.
A Folk Song was presented by the Chakhroma Public Organisation and Western Angami Public Organisation while the Folk Dance was performed by the Southern Angami Public Organisation, Northern Angami Public Organisation. Razouvotuo Chatsu, President, Angami Public Organisation highlighted the significance of Sekrenyi. A Unity Dance was performed by the Angami Youth Organisation.
The vote of thanks was pronounced by K. Neibou Sekhose co-convenor, Sekrenyi Planning Committee. The program was followed by the Sekrenyi Feast and Indigenous Games headed by Angami Sports Association. The program was earlier blessed with a prayer by Rev. Lhouzovi-u Shuya, Pastor, Chümoukedima Village Baptist Church.
