Zeliang community celebrates Lamsimngyi in Benreu village

Secretary celebration committee Heirang Lungalang in his speech on the significance of Lamsimngyi said it was one of the most popular Zeliang festival which was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety, usually during the last part of October or early November. He informed that Lamsimngyi was declared as a Zeliang restricted holiday by deputy commissioner of Kohima S.C. Deb while gracing the festival as the chief guest at Benreu village on October 31 1966. 

Lungalang said Lamsimngyi or Kwapwangyi was a festival of rekindling of the loving relationship between parents and married daughters/sons families; between families of sisters and brothers and between family of married niece and the chosen maternal uncle’s family; and competition in games and sports for boys and youths.  

Sharing more on various indigenous games play during festival, he said it started with ululating by the whole menfolk of the village. After that, young boys and men plough the jumping pit, then start the long jump, leaping, high jump, shot and finally wrestling competition. The champions in the different disciplines were looked upon with respect by all the people, as they were considered as persons capable of guarding the village as good and abled brave warriors. 

The programme was led by convenor celebration committee Lungriading, invocation prayer by local pastor Heikuhangbe Nsa, president Benreului Baudi Heikim Meru delivered presidential address and report of the celebration given by treasurer celebration committee Suipeu Iheilung. 

Band and solo competition was also organized by Benreului youth organization. On November 1 the whole village would take mass trekking to Paunalwa mount. Thousands of villagers celebrated the festival including villagers from Kohima, Peren town, Dimapur and others.