Ngada festival-cum-Mini Hornbill 2024 in Tseminyu culminates

November 29, 2024 0 View No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 29

A two day long Ngada festival-cum-Mini Hornbill 2024 under the aegis of Rengma Hoho and sponsored by Nagaland Tourism culminated today at RSA Ground, Tseminyu.

Ngada, the premier festival of the Rengma Nagas, is celebrated towards the end of November. It is an eight day festival of thanksgiving, merry making and cultural unity.

After the yearlong hard toiled crops are gathered from fields to granaries, it brings the community together in gratitude for the harvest and in remembrance of departed souls, marking the conclusion of the agricultural year.

Beyond its festivities, Ngada is a heartfelt celebration of life, gratitude and cultural identity, keeping the traditions of the Rengma Nagas alive and vibrant for generations.

Addressing the celebration, MLA Ar Jwenga Seb, chairman DPDB Tseminyu said that Ngada is a living testament to “our resilience, our unity, and our unwavering spirit.”

“The Ngada festival has its roots deeply embedded in our history, a history that is rich with stories of struggle, triumph, and perseverance. Our ancestors toiled in the fields, cultivating the land with love and dedication, ensuring that future generations would have the means to thrive. They faced challenges that tested their resolve, yet they emerged stronger, united by a common purpose,” he said,

Stating that their sacrifices and hard work have paved the way for us to enjoy the fruits of their labor, Seb said “It is our duty to honour their legacy by preserving our traditions and passing them on to the next generation. The stories of our ancestors are not just tales of the past; they are the foundation upon which we build our future.”

He said that Ngada is a profound expression of gratitude, community, and continuity, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Rengma Naga people.

He urged everyone to take an active role in nurturing “our community and our culture. “

“Let us commit ourselves to supporting one another, to uplifting our youth, and to creating opportunities for growth and development within our community. Together, we can build a future that honors our past while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead,” he said.

May this Rengma Ngada Festival be a source of inspiration, unity, and hope for all of us, he said adding “ Together, we can create a future that honors our past while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.”

‘Remove negativity’
Also gracing the festival as the guest of honour, Kvulo Lorin, chairman, Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) said that Ngada festival brings all the ranges together, signalling the strength of unity. Urging the community to stay united, Lorin said “It is time to remove negativity.”

He said that negative mindset is not going to take the society forward. “It is a time for unity and celebration,” he said and challenged the Rengma community to focus on positive side and march forward. It is time to think differently in line with the global perspective, he said.

Earlier, keynote address was delivered by Rengma Hoho President Er Tesinlo Semy while Tenyimi Union Nagaland President Kekhwengulo Lea and Pochury Hoho President Chonpa Jurry shared Ngada greetings. The programme was chaired by Rengma Hoho Vice President Hanenmu Semy while welcome address was delivered by Timothy Thong, Vice President Rengma Hoho and convenor Ngada Organizing Committee 2024. Vote of thanks was proposed by Anilo Rengma, Media Secretary Rengma Hoho.
Earlier, Rev Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary CRBC, Zunpha pronounced dedicatory prayer for ambulance which was recently donated by MP S Supongmeren Jamir.

Chentsenga Chung took time for “heralding the Ngada festival.” The festival was also marked cultural performances from “The Charity,” Kandi Union, Tseminyu Town women, Tesophenyu group, Tsogin range, Phenshunyu Lojvii, Tseminyu Union, Kithagha group and Kasha Daho.