KOHIMA: The Ao Naga community celebrated their all-important festival Moatsü with traditional fervoUr and gaiety in Kohima, Nagaland on Wednesday (May 01).
Traditional songs and dances were presented by various groups to mark the occasion which was followed by a traditional Moatsü feast.
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Adviser to Nagaland information and public relations Imkong L Imchen hosted the festival organised by the Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Kohima.
Speaking at the celebrations, Imchen said the Nagas as a tribal society have lots of rituals and beliefs which in recent times have trickled down to just the celebration of one or two major festivals of each tribe.
He said: “It is important to celebrate and exhibit our cultural traits so as to ensure that our unique culture and traditions are not lost.”
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Imchen said in a city like Kohima, inhabited by various tribes, the beauty of the Naga society can be witnessed through different tribes exhibiting and showcasing their own unique culture and tradition to one another and co-existing in harmony.
“It is the responsibility of every Naga to exhibit and practice our rich cultural heritage and ensure that it is preserved in the right way for years to come,” he added.
Adviser to Nagaland law and justice and land revenue department, TN Mannen, speaking on behalf of the Ao legislators, shared, in brief, the significance of the Moatsü festival in today’s society.
He said the festivals are the bedrock of Naga culture and traditions.
Mannen also said the celebration of festivals is a social necessity and urged all to strive towards unity and lead disciplined lives just like our ancestors did.
He thanked the Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Kohima and his colleague Imchen for organising and hosting the Moatsu celebrations for the year 2024.
N Meren, president, Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Kohima formally declared the Moatsü celebrations open.