The Rengma Public Organisation Kohima (RPOK) organised a Cultural Programme today here at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima to commemorate the diverse culture of the Rengma Naga tribe through folk songs and folk dances.

The seven ranges of Rengma Public Organisation Kohima competed in two categories – folk song and folk dance.

Khinyi Woch, Advisor RPOK, said the cultural program was organised with an aim to highlight the Rengma tribe folk dance and folk songs in order to educate the younger generation on their culture, customs and lifestyle.

Altogether there are 14 groups participating from the seven ranges under RPOK, he added.

Benjamin Lorin, Advisor RPOK, said: “The program was organised [to] promote our culture and identity to all the sections of the younger generation. Like other Naga tribes we are rich in culture but slowly the younger generation are forgetting some of the system.”

He also informed that the winners of both categories will represent the Rengma tribe in the All Nagaland Cultural competition next month, organised by the Tribal Affairs department, and in the Tribal Festival slated for 26 October, organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture.

In the folk song category, Tesophenyu Group Union Kohima bagged the first prize. Phenshunyu Lowjvu Nezen Kohima received the second prize and Tsogin Union Kohima the third.

In the folk dance category, Tesophenyu Group Union Kohima was declared the winner. Tseminyu Union Kohima came in second while Kasha Daho Kohima came in third.

The competitions were judged based on the costumes, synchronisation of steps and vocal presentation. The judges announced the winners of the competitions along with cash prizes.

The cultural program was also witnessed by the Cultural Guest R Khing, Advisor Animal Husbandry and Women Resources Development.

The formal session was led with an opening prayer from Zakevi Kesen, Associate Pastor Youth RBCK. followed by the welcome address and greetings delivered by K Gwanilo Himb, President of RPOK, and N S Rengma.