The four-day Doyang Folk Festival, organized by Team Metamorphosis Wokha in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland, concluded on February 28 at Doyang with a vibrant valedictory function.
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Nagaland, T. Lemlila Sangtam, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. In her address, she lauded Team Metamorphosis for their commitment to preserving indigenous traditions through the festival.
She commended the enthusiasm of the participants and the local community, emphasizing the festival’s role in reconnecting people with their cultural roots. Sangtam urged villagers to collaborate with Team Metamorphosis and local authorities to promote cultural excellence and preserve traditional values.
Highlighting the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, Sangtam stressed the need to pass down unwritten folk traditions to maintain the true identity of the Nagas.
She encouraged both elders and youth to take an active role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Looking ahead, she advocated for increased collaboration with Team Metamorphosis to further strengthen cultural identity through innovative initiatives.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, also addressed the gathering, voicing concerns over the growing disconnect with traditional culture. He emphasized that culture defines identity, and without it, individuals risk losing their sense of belonging. Ezung urged the community to safeguard traditional art forms, indigenous games, and attire while fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.
The festival featured an array of competitions, including folk song, folk dance, fusion folk song, cotton yarn spinning, and folk tales, showcasing the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the region.