( Left- Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo - Addie Chipang photo. (Right)The Kuki troupe lighting the Sacred Fire - John Kaping photo)
Hunphun Feb 15 : The festival of Naga Lui-Ngai- Ni once again reverberated the oneness of the Naga peoples as with cultural exchanges showcasing unity. Amid the United Naga Council (UNC)-led alterative arrangement campaign for the Nagas in strife –torn Manipur, the Nagas on Tuesday celebrated, Lui-Ngai-Ni with gusto.The grand festival was celebrated at Hunphun district headquarters here, about 84 kilometers from Imphal the capital of Manipur. The day included staging of a battery of multi-ethnic and tribal dances, traditional shows, ceremonial blessing of seeds, cultural regale and “Lui-Ngai-Ni” Nite. Calling for unifying the Nagas as one, several Naga leaders including Naga Hoho, UNC and other Naga peoples organizations also marked the seed sowing festival held under the theme “Sowing Seeds of Change”.
Unlike past festivals, leaders of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) including its president Thangkhosei Hoakip also joined the festival. Significantly Haokip attended as the guest of honor at the occasion. Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo was the chief guest emphasized the need to join hands together for a better future. “May this (festival) be the foundation for our people to come together as one. It is for us to struggle together for a better future,” he said. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the UNC, the apex body of several Naga civil bodies in Manipur and the politicians to achieve the Nagas’ aspirations. Commenting on the UNC’s alternative arrangement campaign, Keviletuo said the Naga Hoho will stand by it. He, nevertheless, said the agendas of such move should be made clear to all as there is nothing to hide.
The Naga Hoho president also pointed out the need of the collective Nagas’ call of ‘One Nation, One Culture’. UNC president Samson Remei said there is a felt need to help others who are facing similar plight like the Nagas in Manipur and elsewhere. “Now is the time for us to ponder upon the gradual decadence of our culture and restore it to its pristine glory,” he added.
“As we celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni, we must once again re-dedicate ourselves to Naga reconciliation process, the pursuance of Alternative Arrangement and the Indo-Naga Peace Process to usher in an honorable and acceptable settlement in Nagalim,” he added. KIM president Hoakip, recalled the key role taken by the UNC and KIM in ushering peace and harmony between the Nagas and the Kukis in the aftermath of the infamous communal flare up between the two communities in the early nineties. The cultural regale saw staging of folk dances and songs, traditional games and sports, traditional musical instruments by troupes from different communities including Chakhesang and Kuki tribes. Exhibition cum sale of handlooms, arts and crafts, foods, seeds and seedlings, audio visual productions and publication, indigenous musical instruments in day time and the traditional fashion display in the evening were also held in the festival hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long and organized by the UNC.
Amongst other the festival was attended by, Anal tribe, Chothe, Inpui, Lamkang, Maring, Memei (Mao), Monsang (Shirti), Moyon, Poumai, Tangkhul, Chakesang Losami, SDSA , NWUM, ANSAM, NSF, NPMHR, Kuki Inpi, Kharao Hoho, NPO , Maram and CNPO.
Hoirose became the first Kuki girl, who beat 34 other Manipuri belles in the beauty contest, to bag the coveted title and went back richer with Rs 1 lakh, gift hampers and oranges.
Arunapati bagged the first runners up title while Makuilinlui Golmei was adjudged the second runners up.
The first runners up title holder and second runners up title winner got Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 each.
Other sub-titles were won by Elizabeth Maibam (Miss Congeniality), Maohalal Khongsai (Miss Beautiful Smile), Minaliu Pamei (Miss Photogenic), Diana R Pamei (Miss Beautiful Skin), Sangrila Meisnam (Best Catwalk) and Paojaruiniu (Miss Perfect Ten). The best designer award was bagged by Arenla Sangtam while Nirmal bagged the best choreographer title.
"North East Youth Festival to be held next month at Senapati in Manipur is to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Noth East communities," said Dominic Chawang, convenor of the mega event. The event will be sponsored by Youth Initiative Foundation (YIF).
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati late last night at Atithi, Dominic Chawang talked animatedly about the upcoming 3-day cultural extravaganza that kick starts on January 17, 2011 in Sanapati district of Manipur.
In a PR exercise in the sideline of hectic preparation for the festival, Dominic and the members of the Youth Initiative Foundation interacted with journalists from North East saying that the festival is conceptualized to foster to tap the young talents of the region and to expose the rich culture of the various tribes and peoples of North East India. The three- day mega event consists essentially of cultural programmes with participation by traditional cultural troupes of various communities, food fest competition, music nites, beauty pageant etc.
As North East is a region where people from different cultures are accommodated, the festival aims to promote the rich culture of the various North East communities amongst the people of the region. The entire region of North East is rich in culture and there are underlying diversities within, thus the festival will promote these diverse cultures of the communities living in North East India.
The festival to be organized by Youth Initiative Foundation under the theme “peace through culture and identity” seeks to tame the frustration amongst the youths of the region. A concept paper on the festival said “in the midst of al kinds of turmoil and insecurities, the event is an endeavor to highlight ‘a ray of hope.'
In order to harness the talent of the people of North East who are almost invariably synonymous with music to the outside world, grand musical nites with internationally recognized artists like Guru Rewben from Manipur, Soul Mate and Lou Majaw from Meghalaya etc. will be roped in to encourage music. Apart from that, a pageantry of beautiful women of North East with a vision and talent to conquer the wider world will be showcased during the jamboree, he added.
The organizer invited participants from across the region with all expense paid reveling to each of the participating cultural troupe from the states of North East, including security cover during the mega event.
While a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh will be given to a winner of cultural dance competition, a consolation prize of Rs 10,000 each is a certainty for all the participants in the festival. As for the beauty pageant, a crown title holder of “Queen of the Mystic Earth” will go back richer by Rs 1.20 lakhs and the first and second runners up by Rs 80,000 and 50,000 respectively.
Delving on the importance of the festival, Dominic talked of the multi-pronged aspects of the initiative. First of all, the festival aims to reach out to youths so that the vast resources of youth may be tapped in bringing about desirable change for the future. The importance of the festival in spreading awareness regarding AIDS/HIV cannot be overemphasized. The festival also seeks to bring together contemporary and traditional music, creating a culture of fusion and change, said the convener of the festival.
Hectic PR exercises are on for now to dispel “fear” of the region by the outside world, and it is through this festival, said the organizer, that the echo of serenity will resonate through the prism of the hearts of the people.
~ MEx
Highlight of the event as usual will be the crowning of the Orange Queen for which the competition winner will be presented cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while it will be Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively for runner-up and 2nd runner-up. Similar cash amounts will be presented to top three winners of Best Orange Competition.
A release of the Festival Organising Committee said screening of contestants for the Queen Contest will be held from 10 am tomorrow at Hotel Yaisna, MG Avenue while the selected contestants are supposed to leave for festival venue on December 10.
The Committee also conveyed gratitude to COPTAM for lifting the bandh and appealed to all concerned not to call/impose bandh or blockade that could obstruct successful conduct of the annual event.
~ TSE
New Delhi, Dec 03: Hundreds of Hmar in the Capital city today gathered at Dr, SR Auditorium, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Delhi Cantonment,celebrates the Sikpuiruoi 2010. Pu Dr. HT Sangliana, IPS (Retd.) now Vice-Chairperson in National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India pressent the day as Sikpui Pa cum Chief Guest and Pu Rohminglien Buhril IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Govt. of Meghalaya, as Guest of Honour, Pu Suothang, Director, Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India as President of the day.
The proggramme kick started at 01:30 evening, Miss Lalramhuol and E Ramngailien compered the first session. Pu Pastor james L Joute had the invocation prayer.
Pu Sangliana released the Directory of Delhi Hmar booklet which was followed by speicial no from artistes and Pu Sangliana took his time as Sikpui pa.
In his speech he disclosed himself that he is lacking of Hmar Tawng (Hmar language) instead capable of using Mizo language like his own mother language. But make request of his fellow dignataries to do translation in hmar and make refutation of his hmar tawng flaw. he was much delighted in seeing such a huge crowd gathering, showing the unity of Hmar people and praise all members signifying as a leading community among our fellow communities in various parts of the world. "Deligence is very much feeble among us, which must like an essence in our day to day life" said Pu Sangliana.
Pu Rohminglien Buhril, who came a long way from the stip of hills to the deep valley, the capital city for the event as a Guest of Honour gives a venerate to Sikpui Pa Pu HT Sangliana and Leaders of Various Civil Organisation who gives efforts to make Sikpuiruoi 2010 successful. Giving regards to Hmar community in Delhi, he praise the leaders and members showing him the Unity of being Hmar as compare to any other places in India and the formation of HWA, HSA, HCF in Delhi make him proud of saying, Hmars in Delhi act as the connecting point of Hmars from different nook and corners. Helping the committee Sikpuiruoi, Pu Rohminglien hand over a white envelope to the leaders of the day.
ATM, a group of Youngsters performed a short play showing how civilization make changes among the people, especially Hmar. And Peoples were make a thunderous applause on the play. The moral behind the play was "not to go back towards the dark age" which means that, People were once in peace, no gun power, but were brave in wagging war upon enemies but are now able to abduct even his own closed brother and sister among family members. Another group performed the challenging play, 'To arise from sleep and stand affirm' make use of life worthfully.
Lunch was served as soon as the first session was closed.
Meritorious Awards distribution to various outstanding successful students' among Hmar in Delhi, Various Artistes among the community make noising the hall with their melodious voice were also among the main highlights of the day.
Pastor Laditsak soon closed the proggramme in prayer.
Photos of the day:
*For More Photos, HERE
The proggramme kick started at 01:30 evening, Miss Lalramhuol and E Ramngailien compered the first session. Pu Pastor james L Joute had the invocation prayer.
Pu Sangliana released the Directory of Delhi Hmar booklet which was followed by speicial no from artistes and Pu Sangliana took his time as Sikpui pa.
In his speech he disclosed himself that he is lacking of Hmar Tawng (Hmar language) instead capable of using Mizo language like his own mother language. But make request of his fellow dignataries to do translation in hmar and make refutation of his hmar tawng flaw. he was much delighted in seeing such a huge crowd gathering, showing the unity of Hmar people and praise all members signifying as a leading community among our fellow communities in various parts of the world. "Deligence is very much feeble among us, which must like an essence in our day to day life" said Pu Sangliana.
Pu Rohminglien Buhril, who came a long way from the stip of hills to the deep valley, the capital city for the event as a Guest of Honour gives a venerate to Sikpui Pa Pu HT Sangliana and Leaders of Various Civil Organisation who gives efforts to make Sikpuiruoi 2010 successful. Giving regards to Hmar community in Delhi, he praise the leaders and members showing him the Unity of being Hmar as compare to any other places in India and the formation of HWA, HSA, HCF in Delhi make him proud of saying, Hmars in Delhi act as the connecting point of Hmars from different nook and corners. Helping the committee Sikpuiruoi, Pu Rohminglien hand over a white envelope to the leaders of the day.
ATM, a group of Youngsters performed a short play showing how civilization make changes among the people, especially Hmar. And Peoples were make a thunderous applause on the play. The moral behind the play was "not to go back towards the dark age" which means that, People were once in peace, no gun power, but were brave in wagging war upon enemies but are now able to abduct even his own closed brother and sister among family members. Another group performed the challenging play, 'To arise from sleep and stand affirm' make use of life worthfully.
Lunch was served as soon as the first session was closed.
Meritorious Awards distribution to various outstanding successful students' among Hmar in Delhi, Various Artistes among the community make noising the hall with their melodious voice were also among the main highlights of the day.
Pastor Laditsak soon closed the proggramme in prayer.
Photos of the day:
*For More Photos, HERE
Dubbed as the festival of festivals, the week-long extravaganza showcases all aspects of Naga life and culture under a single roof to attract tourists to this hill state.
Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar formally inaugurated the 11th edition of this annual festival coinciding with the 47th statehood day of Nagaland.
'Colours of Nagaland' showcasing the diverse music and dance forms of Naga tribes was the hallmark of the inaugural function which was attended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues and diplomats from different countries.
Over the years many new features have been added to the festival, attracting foreign tourists every year.
The cultural show is being organised by South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur with the support of the union government, Culture Centre Dimapur and Culture department of Karnataka government.
Speaking to reporters Srikant Pathak, Director of SCZCC said the events were held in New Delhi (2006), Hyderabad (2007), tiruvanantapuram, Goa, Mumbai and Patna (2008).
Nearly 400 artistes from the north east would provide a glimpse of the traditional music, exotic costumes, folk dances and culture from the region at 'Octave 2010'.
"The festival is designed to introduce the cultural heritage of all the eight northeastern states -- Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Sikkim to rest of the country," the organisers of the show told reporters here today.
The event will see a special choreographed presentation of folk dances, followed by a musical ensemble and a grand finale, they said.
The event was introduced by the Ministry of Culture to promote the northeastern region.
Old Lambulane, Imphal, Nov 26: Manipur Sangai Festival: 26 November 2010 was auspicious for Chandel District, Manipur, India.Imphal’s spacious Hapta Kangjeibung open polo ground saw a record turn-out in the Manipur Sangai Fest – Chandel Day. All the districts of the state were given an evening’s platform to showcase their respective cultural expressions in the best manner they could possibly present. Traditional dances performed to the tune of tribal folk-songs were the main show-item. This day happened to be Chandel’s turn to further enrich Tourism Department-organised colourful annual fest of Manipur.
The Dignitaries: The State’s Tourism Minister, Pu T.N. Haokip came early. At around 4:30 pm, the senior Hon’ble Minister was joined in the front rows of the dance-hall by a few colleagues like Mr. Thaisii, Hon’ble Minister, T.D & Hills, Mr. K. Ranjit singh, Hon’ble Minister, Works, Pu Thangminlen kipgen, Hon’ble Chairman, HAC, Manipur, Pu Thangkholun Haokip, Hon’ble MLA and other concerned high-ranking officials of the state. The VIPs exchanged pleasantries, made the front rows of the hall look manned and prestigious for a while. The audience were so engrossed in watching the ethnic entertainment items the fest delivered one after another in quick succession that no one noticed the dignitaries who entered and exited now and then.
The Men Behind: Infatuated to Tourism, of which he once was the Director, Mr H. Deleep Singh, DC/Chandel took stock of Chandel day Sangai Fest right from the day it was announced. If DC was in his elements in a particular official task, could the ADCs and SDOs be far behind? No. They had to work in tandem in what the boss desired to do. The subordinates of DC/Chandel were given responsibilities to engage cultural dance troupes in their respective administrative Blocks , saw that the groups rehearse well and arrange their transportation to Imphal and back. This author had to bring a bus-load of traditional dancers to shake a leg in the Tourism extravaganza from Moreh. Machi, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Chakpikarong were the other Blocks of the district. Staff of DRDA, Chandel, too fully b assisted in the management.
The Compeers: Frankie and Presica of Chandel DHQ were behind the mikes to announce the order of the mesmerising show. If the event stood out, it was partly due to the articulate compeering by the ace announcing duo from the Chakpi valley who took on the job they were assigned to like a duck takes to water. Miss Martha and Goldliver of the same DHQ helped in the event management knick-knacks. Thanks to the quality of mobilising the event-managers that came with an added zeal from the cheer-leader, that is DC/Chandel himself, there was no mismatch of role to player in the gala Chandel show.
The Performances: The performances were varied with each rivalling the other in presentation and ethnic speciality. As an impartial viewer, when I tried to rank the mind-boggling presentations on merit basis, it was as tough as to grade the equally attractive mansions built together in the same premises by the seven brothers of Chingmeirong (Imphal) of whom two are medical Doctors. The maddening rounds of applauses from the appreciative crowd gave reason for every Chandel-ian seated in the hall to feel proud of his hitherto untapped district. Judging the level of cultural consciousness and finesse displayed whole this evening by my fellow-Chandel-ians, makes me wonder as to why we are known as a backward district? Isn’t forwardness of a region determined by the quality of the culture?
The Performers: The choreography delivered with professional panache by Chandel youth left the viewers gasping in awe. The Zou item from Sugnu Zou Veng was exotic to view at while the Aimol and Chothe dances were simply awesome. Thadou-Kuki dances were usually not very lively; but this evening’s performances were exceptionally thrilling and entertaining. Lenchonghoi item showcased the maturity of Moreh youth in expressing their folklore in criss-crossing side-steps. And above all, the Theme song penned by this author, “Prosperity Through Co-Existence” and sung in the show with commendable vocal co-ordination by Nehminlen Lhouvum and Miss Tin tin Kipgen (T2K) was music to the ear. That the show went off well was proved by the DC/Chandel and SP/Chandel’s visible smile and endorsing whispers from ear to ear.
PROSPERITY THROUGH CO-EXISTENCE
(Theme Song for Chandel-Day: Sangai Fest-2010)
By: Lunminthang Haokip
ADC/Moreh
1.On terrains south of Taret river,
Across ranges north of Chin hill-shire;
Upon the lofty slopes that cover
Land from the plains to Myanmar border;
God placed people who are ethnic
To live unique in Chandel District.
The State calls to take part in giant strides,
Fate keeps us apart as defiant tribes;
Greed to seek for self will to chaos lead,
The great God gives us things we need;
Let’s all pray for and chant in good sense:
“Prosperity Through Co-Existence”.
2.To lift up our lot, schemes keep coming,
The gift is to see our stock booming;
We put in less and ask for more from
The PM, the CM and the DM;
Let “I will first bend” be the axis
To make amends, thrive and co-exist.
3.The diverse cultures are God-given,
Blessed nature makes us goods-laden;
Man’s nature craves to be self-driven,
We’ll gain stature in being goal-driven;
Let’s wake up to shake up our future
That our six Blocks may hit a Sixer.
The Dignitaries: The State’s Tourism Minister, Pu T.N. Haokip came early. At around 4:30 pm, the senior Hon’ble Minister was joined in the front rows of the dance-hall by a few colleagues like Mr. Thaisii, Hon’ble Minister, T.D & Hills, Mr. K. Ranjit singh, Hon’ble Minister, Works, Pu Thangminlen kipgen, Hon’ble Chairman, HAC, Manipur, Pu Thangkholun Haokip, Hon’ble MLA and other concerned high-ranking officials of the state. The VIPs exchanged pleasantries, made the front rows of the hall look manned and prestigious for a while. The audience were so engrossed in watching the ethnic entertainment items the fest delivered one after another in quick succession that no one noticed the dignitaries who entered and exited now and then.
The Men Behind: Infatuated to Tourism, of which he once was the Director, Mr H. Deleep Singh, DC/Chandel took stock of Chandel day Sangai Fest right from the day it was announced. If DC was in his elements in a particular official task, could the ADCs and SDOs be far behind? No. They had to work in tandem in what the boss desired to do. The subordinates of DC/Chandel were given responsibilities to engage cultural dance troupes in their respective administrative Blocks , saw that the groups rehearse well and arrange their transportation to Imphal and back. This author had to bring a bus-load of traditional dancers to shake a leg in the Tourism extravaganza from Moreh. Machi, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Chakpikarong were the other Blocks of the district. Staff of DRDA, Chandel, too fully b assisted in the management.
The Compeers: Frankie and Presica of Chandel DHQ were behind the mikes to announce the order of the mesmerising show. If the event stood out, it was partly due to the articulate compeering by the ace announcing duo from the Chakpi valley who took on the job they were assigned to like a duck takes to water. Miss Martha and Goldliver of the same DHQ helped in the event management knick-knacks. Thanks to the quality of mobilising the event-managers that came with an added zeal from the cheer-leader, that is DC/Chandel himself, there was no mismatch of role to player in the gala Chandel show.
The Performances: The performances were varied with each rivalling the other in presentation and ethnic speciality. As an impartial viewer, when I tried to rank the mind-boggling presentations on merit basis, it was as tough as to grade the equally attractive mansions built together in the same premises by the seven brothers of Chingmeirong (Imphal) of whom two are medical Doctors. The maddening rounds of applauses from the appreciative crowd gave reason for every Chandel-ian seated in the hall to feel proud of his hitherto untapped district. Judging the level of cultural consciousness and finesse displayed whole this evening by my fellow-Chandel-ians, makes me wonder as to why we are known as a backward district? Isn’t forwardness of a region determined by the quality of the culture?
The Performers: The choreography delivered with professional panache by Chandel youth left the viewers gasping in awe. The Zou item from Sugnu Zou Veng was exotic to view at while the Aimol and Chothe dances were simply awesome. Thadou-Kuki dances were usually not very lively; but this evening’s performances were exceptionally thrilling and entertaining. Lenchonghoi item showcased the maturity of Moreh youth in expressing their folklore in criss-crossing side-steps. And above all, the Theme song penned by this author, “Prosperity Through Co-Existence” and sung in the show with commendable vocal co-ordination by Nehminlen Lhouvum and Miss Tin tin Kipgen (T2K) was music to the ear. That the show went off well was proved by the DC/Chandel and SP/Chandel’s visible smile and endorsing whispers from ear to ear.
PROSPERITY THROUGH CO-EXISTENCE
(Theme Song for Chandel-Day: Sangai Fest-2010)
By: Lunminthang Haokip
ADC/Moreh
1.On terrains south of Taret river,
Across ranges north of Chin hill-shire;
Upon the lofty slopes that cover
Land from the plains to Myanmar border;
God placed people who are ethnic
To live unique in Chandel District.
The State calls to take part in giant strides,
Fate keeps us apart as defiant tribes;
Greed to seek for self will to chaos lead,
The great God gives us things we need;
Let’s all pray for and chant in good sense:
“Prosperity Through Co-Existence”.
2.To lift up our lot, schemes keep coming,
The gift is to see our stock booming;
We put in less and ask for more from
The PM, the CM and the DM;
Let “I will first bend” be the axis
To make amends, thrive and co-exist.
3.The diverse cultures are God-given,
Blessed nature makes us goods-laden;
Man’s nature craves to be self-driven,
We’ll gain stature in being goal-driven;
Let’s wake up to shake up our future
That our six Blocks may hit a Sixer.
Here at hasflong also, under the aegis of Songpijang Youth Club,the 22nd Chavang Kut was celebrated with daylong programme at Songpijang Play ground. The Day’ s programmes atarted with the unfurling of Kut’s flag by the Chief Guest Dr T. Haolai, JT. Director, Heath Service, Haflong. This was followed by the felicitation of Chief Guests, Kut dedication service by Rev L. Singson and welcome speech by Sri T. Doungel, President, SYC.
This festival is celebrated after most of the harvest is over. The villagers, the show their gratitude to the Lord, who permits them strength and long life and all the good things to them, they sing and dance praising the Lord. In this festival, folk songs are sung with traditional dances. During the observance of the festival people try to show their expertise in playing Goshem, Selki, Phit, Dahpi, the traditional musical instruments. With the urbanization, they now use to organize not only the traditional items but also the fashion show competition like Mr. and Miss Kut. Apart from this, they also organize traditional games and sports. Though the advent of modernization has caste impacts on traditional customs in some urban areas, but in villages, these traditional things are still in practice with some modification.
During the festival traditional dances like SAGOL PHEIKHAI, SELPANG LAM, LOMLAM, JANCHA LAM,VACOL LAM, PHEIPHIT LAM, SALU LAM, GAL LAM, SUHTA LAM, MOLKANG LAM, (stick dance) KHUL LAM were performed with the tune of musical instruments like – Gosem, Sumkon, Pheiphit, khong, Dahpi, Dahbu, selki, lhemlhei, theile etc. Though the Cavang Kut is being considered to be the major festival,other festivals like Chapphou Kut, Mim kut and lholhum kut are also there to be mentioned.
