Moatsu festival in Nagaland from today

KOHIMA, April 30: As part of its annual tourism calendar, Nagaland tourism department is organising the Moatsu festival, the largest traditional festival of the Ao tribe, at Mokokchung's district's Chuchuyimlang village from May 1, reports PTI. Aimed to attract tourists and promote tourism activities, the three-day festival, jointly organised by the tourism department and the Chuchuyimlang village authorities, will showcase the Ao cultural heritage. Moatsu is celebrated by the Aos to signify the end of planting season while invoking the blessings of the almighty for an abundant harvest. Organisers said besides the colourful cultural presentation by the Aos, troupes from Phom and Chang tribes would participate in the extravaganza which will also display the traditional mithoun sacrifice and indigenous games competition. Blessed with moderate climate and scenic beauty, Chuchuyimlang village, 30 km from Mokokchung town, is connected with all-weather road from any town of upper Assam. The closest rail station is Amguri on the Assam-Nagaland border. Organisers said besides the cultural bonanza and festivities, the village will offer guest houses round the clock at reasonable rates with restaurants serving Naga, Chinese and continental foods. For the adventure tourists, the villagers will organise fishing, angling and trekking trips accompanied by guides, they said