District cultural offices under the department of Art & Culture (A&C) have been organising “tribal festivals” on the theme, “igniting cultural traditions” in their respective districts.
Kohima: The festivals are being organised with an aim to disseminate the importance of various cultures and traditions in Nagaland and to encourage people to preserve their cultures.
In Kohima district, District Cultural Office Kohima organised “tribal fiesta” on September 30 at State Academy Hall, Kohima with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, Shanavas C as special guest invitee.
According to a DIPR report, Shanavas shared his experiences in various parts of the Nagaland and emphasised on the Morung concept of education as a welcoming initiative where traditional art and crafts were taught.
He suggested Art & Culture department to collaborate with department of school education and organise “youth festivals” in the future.
This, he said, could become a yearly event to encourage the youth to embrace and value their cultures and traditions.
Highlights of the cultural programme included folklore presentation by Vikeyinuo Solo and Tongchet Amer while folk song and dance were performed by Minister’s Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Angami, Pochury, Rengma, and Sümi cultural troupes (Surumi).
Chümoukedima: In Chümoukedima district, the tribal festival was organised at registering office, department of Art & Culture with SDO (C) Chümoukedima, Temsuchuba Jamir as special guest invitee.
According to a DIPR report, Jamir emphasised on how people were born in a culture and were characterised not only by dances or attire, but through language, cuisine, art, and music.
Terming ‘culture’ as the driving force of the society which has been passed on by forefathers as their identity, he urged upon the gathering to continue their passing on their cultures into the future without changing their values.
Highlights of the programme included cultural presentations by various cultural troupes, and folklore recitation.
Tuensang: In Tuensang district, the festival was held at Town Hall with Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Tuensang, Toking Yimkhiung as special guest.
According to a DIPR report, Toking Yimkhiung said Nagas were recognised for their honesty and hard work and that the event would help preserve such rich values.
He advised the people to preserve the good values and culture and cautioned against cultural values being diluted with modernisation. Highlights of the programme included folklore recitation and other cultural song and dance presentations by students and various cultural troupes.
Mon: District Cultural Office, Mon organised the tribal festival on September 30 at Town Council Hall, Mon, wherein DC Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma emphasised the importance of culture in way of life and for sustainable development. District cultural officer, Mon, Peter Thanghoi Thai encouraged participants to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage. He urged the young artists to keep up the tradition of their forefathers. Highlights of the programme included performances by artists from various educational institutions, log drum dragging ceremonies, war dance, etc.