First ever P. Shilu Ao “Memorial Tug-of War Championship 2013” was held Thursday at Longjang village under Mokokchung district as part of Tsungremmong festival, a premier festival of the Ao Nagas.
The championship was organized by Longjang Riongsanger Cultural Club Mokokchung in honor of late P. Shilu Ao, the first chief minister of Nagaland.
The tug-of-war was played between the “Lanu Zunga”, the 12 stages of men in a village. The celebration today was graced by DC, Mokokchung Muroho Chotso as chief guest besides a number of civil societies including Ao Senden, AKM and Watsu Mungdang attending the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest lamented that youngsters of the present generation were neglecting the values and ethos of our rich culture and tradition.
He reminded that it was only through songs and dances that Nagas had been conveying stories, folktales, even messages from generation to generation. He therefore called upon all to strive hard in preserving one’s tradition and culture.
Chotso also pointed out that through celebration of kinds of festival, tradition and culture were preserved and called upon all to understand the purpose of such festivals.
Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Dr. Sangyu Yaden, president Ao Senden, Aowati, president Asetkong Mungdang, Akok Lkr, president AKM and T.N. Mannen.
AT the tug of war championship, Pangsong Tanubo Zunga took the top honors while the second position was clinched by Imtsüba Zunga.
The winners were awarded Rs. 20,000 and 10,000 cash respectively along with trophies. Two semi finalists include Tataba Zunga and Sungsapang.
The prizes were given away by Achila Imsong, president Watsu Mungdang. The celebration also witnessed number of special songs and a bamboo dance performed by students of Baptist Mission School, Longjang. The celebration ended with a community feast.