Clad in colourful traditional attires, hundreds of people from Zeliangrong community celebrated Chaga Gadi/Lamsimnyi festival at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima with pomp and gaiety, organized by Zeliangrong Baudi on Monday.
Nagaland governor P.B Acharya graced the celebration as chief guest while chief minister T.R Zeliang was the host of the occasion. In his address, Acharya asserted that festivals were not only for entertainment but a gift from ancestors, to strengthen family and social ties and to thank God for the bountiful blessings.
He also stressed on the importance of preserving one’s identity by ensuring that mother tongue was not ignored, saying “a person was known by his or her language which one cannot change”.
Reiterating that Nagas’ rich culture was even recognized outside the state, the governor called upon the Nagas to exhibit the rich culture and show to the outsiders that Nagas are second to none in any field. On the yearning for peace by the Naga people, Acharya said that Prime Minister has taken a bold step on the UG’s movement to solve the Naga issue. He therefore, reiterated his appeal to the UGs to come together saying “enough is enough” as Nagas wants peace and development.
He also expressed concern over the poor implementation of the Mid Day Meal Scheme in the state. According to Acharya, during his tours in schools, it was discovered that children were served once in a week.
To put an end on this, Acharya said those people involved in the MDM scam should be punished and urged them to live in true Christian spirit.
Chief host of the festivals, while extending greetings said tribal festivals were occasions for well deserved rest and merriment. He said it was time to recreate the flavour and to re-discover the value and dignity of labour so that the celebrations become more meaningful.
Zeliang also stressed on the importance of Nagas unity by renewing the brotherhood of the Naga family. He said only through unity and oneness, Naga political issue can be resolved in a peaceful and satisfactory manner. He therefore appealed to all underground groups to come together for a final settlement through peaceful negotiation.
On the abrogation of cease-fire by NSCN (K), Zeliang said if cease-fire was abrogated by the NPG then Nagas will be back to square one and it will be regrettable. In this regard, Zeliang called upon all groups to come together for a final settlement through peaceful negotiation instead of challenging them.
The festival witnessed folk dances, indigenous games while significant of the festival was delivered by advisor ZBK, Kelei Zeliang.
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