Mleingyi is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Zeliang Nagas besides Hega. The name is derived from two words – ‘mlei’ means fire generated by rubbing against the rough surface, and ‘ngyi’ is the term for festival in Zeliang.

The Festival is a five-day affair and this year it began on 21 February. The slaughtering of animals for the feasts is done a day before the festival commences.

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The festival marks the passing of old things and the beginning of new things. The folks make new fire and cook from it. The folks also perform rituals and pray for fertility, good health and good harvest. Mleingyi is also marked by people getting together and merry-making, singing dancing and feasting.

Girls dancing traditional dances at Lamhai Dungki village in Jalukie on the occasion of Mleingyi on 21 February 2023.

At Lamhai Dungki village in Jalukie, Peren district, the festival was graced by veteran politician and former Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang on Tuesday, which also happened to be his birthday.

In his speech Zeliang spoke about the age-old relation between Lamhai Dungki and his village Mbaupungo and urged the people of Lamhai and Mbaupungwa to continue to be united and to preserve and promote the rich culture and heritage of the community.

Talking about the upcoming general election in Nagaland, he said that the NDPP-BJP alliance is going strong and that forming the government in the state will not be a problem. Zeliang hoped that he would bring better development in Lamhai village if he wins in the upcoming election again.

He also reminded that his election symbol is not ‘cock’ anymore which has been for many years as he has changed his party and had joined Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, hence his party symbol currently the ‘globe’.

Prior to the programme, the pastor and deacons of Lamhai Dungki village prayed for T.R Zeliang’s success.