Lui-ngai-ni celebrated with pomp and gaiety

IMPHAL, February 15: The season's seed sowing festival of the Naga conimunity, Lui-Ngai-Ni was today observed with pomp and gaiety at the jam-packed Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre at Palace Compound with a day-long function. This year's festival held under the theme 'Know Thy Roots' focused on the culture and tradition of the tribe and handing down the tradition to the youngsters. The festival was opened with a show of solidarity with the quake victims of Gujarat and the organisng committee donating a sum of Rs 10,000 through the chief guest of the function, Governor Ved Prakash Marwah. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said there there are many reasons for celebrating festivals. 'Not only it brings fun, laughter and good fellowship but it helps in bringing people of all sects and class together', he stated. In his speech he said, Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival of the Nagas has of late come to occupy an important place among the festivals celebrated by the people of the state. Introduction of Lui-Ngai-Ni with a more cohesive and collective shape in 1987, as a common seed sowing festival of the Nagas, should be regarded as an important step, for this can contribute in some measure to our collective attempt at strengthening the oneness of our nation, the Governor said adding that amidst an environment of violence and lawlessness that the people of the state have been witnessing in the state, such ocasion are positive step aimed at bringing and preserving communal harmony in the state. Later, a demonstration of traditional attire - more on die line of fashion parade - was held, accompanied by traditional folk song. The songs were presented by Rewben Mashanghwa and Zingam along with the troupes. Traditional delicacies were also served during the festival. The term Lui-Ngai-Ni is coined from the festivals Luira, Gan-Ngai and Chithuni, observed by various Naga sub-tribes.