Continuity of cultural practices is a must: Chingwang Konyak

January 14, 2024 15 Views No Comment

Mech Kacharis of Dimapur celebrate post-harvest Aai Sagi festival

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 14

The Mech Kachari community of Nagaland celebrated the Aai Sagi festival on January 13 in Dimapur. It was organised by the Mech Kachari Public Orgnisation, Nagaland, at the Kachari Sports Ground Kushiabill, Darogajan, where Chingwang Konyak, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party President was invited as a special guest and Chabi Kumar Mech, President of the Kachari Tribal Council, Nagaland, was the guest of honour.

Aai Sagi is a traditional post-harvest festival celebrated by the Mech Kachari in January. In Assam, the festival coincides with the Magh Bihu.

As described by the guest of honour, it is regarded as the “dearest of festivals” symbolising thanksgiving after a bountiful harvest. “It is celebrated as thanksgiving for the abundant harvest while uniting the community,” he said.

This year happened to be first Aai Sagi to be celebrated after the festival was recognised by the state government as one of the official festivals of Nagaland in December 2023.

Chingwang, who is also the Chairperson of the People’s Democratic Alliance Coordination Committee, said he was privileged to join the Aai Sagi festivity as a special guest, especially on account of its listing as one of the state’s premier festivals.

A people’s identity manifests in culture and customs and “that’s why we have to preserve our culture,” he said. According to him, there was a time in the initial years after Christianity set foot in the state when the converts discouraged the celebration of traditional festivals. However, he said that the attitude shifted as realisation dawned that culture and religion should not be mixed.

Terming continuity of customs as a must, he said that that the younger generation should learn one’s culture and imbibing its essence. In this regard, he expressed joy at witnessing the youths of the Mech Kachari community taking a keen interest in learning, performing and preserving the community’s folk arts.