Imphal, February 15 2009: Thousands of Nagas today celebrated the seed sowing festival�Lui Ngai Ni at different places in the state.

The festival was celebrated at Tamenglong headquarters, Chandel headquarters, Imphal, etc.

MLA of Tengnoupal assembly constituency, Morung Makunga, who was the chief guest of a glittering function organised to celebrate Lui Ngai Ni festival at the ground of Maha Union Goverment High School at Chandel headquarters, told the gathering that in the ancient times, there was no joint festival of the Nagas.

Only those rich persons used to celebrate festivals in their names.

However, as it was thought that a united festival was necessary for the Nagas, consent was obtained from the various Naga tribes for the joint celebration of a festival which was named as Lui Ngai Ni, the MLA said.

He further said that he was also one of those persons who had tried to introduce the Lui Ngai Ni festival.

Thus having been invited to be the chief guest of the function organised to celebrate the festival, he found the day to be the happiest day for him, he said.

MLA Morung Makunga also opined that earlier the Nagas could not see beautiful dances of the various Naga tribes together at a time, but after the celebration of Lui Ngai Ni festival had begun, one could now get to see the various mesmerising dances of the Naga tribes.

Moreover an opportunity for cultural exchange has also arisen.

The MLA appreciated the fact that with the inception of the Lui Ngai Ni festival, the various Naga tribes could get to know each other.

SDO Chandel, Jesintha Lazarus, IAS, was the president of the colourful function.

ADC Chandel, Lunminthang Haokip was the guest of honour, ex-Minister DK Korungthang, ADC Moreh, Th Hopson Chothe, SDO Chakpikarong, L Darsinso, Major Prem of 20 AR, CO 8th MR, IK Muivah, Principal of United College Chandel, Th Oliver and DO, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, CR Beningtha were the special guests.

Groups of young men and women belonging to various Naga tribes such as Anal, Chothe, Lamkang, Moyon, Monsang, Tarao and Maring presented their spectacular dance performances at the function before a huge audience.

In another programme held in connection with the Lui Ngai Ni festival, the Namdunlong Celebration Committee celebrated the first Namdunlong Glory Day of the Namdunlong village here in Imphal with an objective of preserving the culture and traditions of Zeliangrong community.

FCS, Industry and Cooperation Minister, Yungkham Irabot was the chief guest of the function and the chief of Namdunlong village was the president.

Various items of folk dance and music were presented by groups of women and men at the function.

While speaking as the chief guest, Minister Irabot observed that the Zeliangrong people have been preserving their own culture and traditions from generation to generation.

Thus the Zeliangrong people are able to protect and preserve their own identity.

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