Moatsü, the premier festivals of the Ao Nagas, was celebrated with colourful displays of traditional dances and gaiety across Nagaland, Thursday. The festival is celebrated every year during the month of May, specifically from May 1 to 3 to invoke God’s blessings for healthy crops after the sowing is done. Moatsü is also considered the festival of community bonding where villagers celebrate their friendships through exchange of gifts, feasting, singing and dancing.
Aoyimkum Village
Aoyimkum Village: Aoyimkum Village witnessed a vibrant Moatsü festival celebration showcasing the rich culture of the Aos as the community came together in colourful traditional attires celebrating the premier festival at the village playground.
The festival organised by the Aoyimkum Village Council (AVC) was graced by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang as the chief guest.
Extending Moatsü greetings, Dr. Tinojongshi emphasised the significance of such celebration to foster peace and understanding communities. He said unity was the only way for Nagas to propel progress.
Highlighting the importance of passing down age-long culture and traditional practices, especially to the younger generation, Dr. Tinojongshi urged the older generation to take up this task more seriously.
While emphasising the need for the younger generation to carry on the traditional values, he commended their efforts in preserving the tribe’s heritage and also asserted the need for greater interest among the youth.
The DC also lauded the initiative of the state government to promote and preserve the diverse and rich traditions of the Nagas by sponsoring mini-Hornbill festivals across the state.
Dr. Tinojongshi also mentioned the growing interest among tourists, both domestic and international, in participating in such festivities, showcasing the cultural diversity of the Nagas.
Speaking on the diversity of Dimapur, the DC called upon tribes and communities to set aside their differences, if any, and come work together for the betterment of Dimapur, setting an example for other districts to emulate.
Highlights of the festival included “Moatsü play” by members of the Children’s Education Ministry and Youth Department, ABA, and cultural songs and display by Kaketshir Telongjem Aoyimkum, Senden Cultural Society, Aoyimkum Lanur Telongjem, and women folk of the village. The festival, attended by dignitaries from six surrounding villages, also witnessed tug of war between three sections of society.
The programme was chaired by Dr Bendangyangerla Imchen, invocation by Aoyimkum Baptist Arogo (ABA) Pastor Rev I Temsu Aier and exhortation by AVC chairman, Imchainba.
A short speech was also delivered by Guru L Nükshi Ozüküm, a vote of thanks by GB, Imsünüken and benediction by ABC associate Pastor Women, Rev I Asenla Jamir.
Dimapur Waromung Senso Telongjem
DWST: Dimapur Waromung Senso Telongjem (DWST) celebrated Moatsü festival under the theme, “Asen sobaliba aser loktiliba nung teyaritep” at Padumpukhuri, Dimapur.
The festival, celebrated with much pomp and gaiety, witnessed melodious Ao traditional songs performed by the Dimapur Waromungtsur Telongjem and DWST Yimsusur, and cultural dances by Dimapur Waromung Senso Telongjem and Waromung Senso Telongem Diphupar Area.
Highlighting the significance of the Moatsü festival, Imkongnakba said in the past the ancestors sowed the crops from March to April and prayed to God for a good harvest in May.
He added that the ancestors dedicated their whole life to farming with dedication, faith and hope.
Mentioning how ancestors prepared to celebrate Moatsü, he said they determined the weather through ritual practice, clean fire pits, village surroundings and water wells, and closed village gates to prevent other villages from partaking in the festival.
However, Imkongnakba said at present, people from all walks of life were invited in the celebration.
He further mentioned that learning and following cultural ethics practiced by the ancestors were crucial to maintain the identity, and encouraged the younger generation to preserve, promote and practice these traditions.
The programme was chaired by Yarsenla Longkumer, invocation by Ao Baptist Church Diezephe Pastor Mar, welcome address by DWST president Mapumeren Longkumer and a vote of thanks by ex-minister, Dr Benjonglina Aier.
Representatives from Jangpetkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Waromung Senso Telongem Diphupar, Waromung Senso Telongem Meziphema also attended the celebration.
Chuchuyimlang
Chuchuyimlang: Moatsü festival was celebrated with enthusiasm and happiness, showcasing mesmerising cultural songs and dances by the Medemsanger (Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union), Yangbi Cultural Troupe (Chang tribe), Meyi Moyo (7th Kosasanger Sungpo Zunga), Ukha Cultural Troupe (Konyak tribe), and enactment of being introduced into the Ariju (Aroju club), “Azuto Ken”, Unger Cultural Club (Unger village) and Yaongyimchen Cultural Troupe (Phom tribe).
Addressing a gathering at Chuchuyimlang Anu Mai Amphitheatre as the special guest of the festival, commissioner and secretary, department of Industries and Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, said Moatsü festival was not only limited to invoking God for a plentiful harvest but also an occasion for community bonding friendship and unity with the neighbouring villages, cutting across tribal lines.
The special guest also laid the foundation stone of Yakuki HiEERA Development Projects Pvt Ltd.
During the programme, the welcome address was delivered by Chuchuyimlang village council chairman, Aosanen Pongen while God’s presence was invoked by the associate pastor and the benediction was said by APCE, Ayangla.Pongen.
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