IMPHAL, October 30: The Chagah festival of the Liangmai Naga tribe was celebrated today at Taphou Laingmai ground in Senapati District head quarter.
The function was attended by L Dikho, MLA, 48-Mao A/C; Z Solomon, Joint Director, Tribal Research Institute; Dr K Sobita Devi, Director, Art & Culture; S Vedeshwar Sharma, Secretary, Manipur State Kala Academi as the chief guest, guest of honour, president and special guest respectively.
The celebration function was declared open by hosting a Chagah festival flag by the chief guest.
Giving his welcome address, convener of the organizing committee, Z Achapbou Niumai elaborated on the main idea of celebrating the festival.
He said that the festival marks the coming of joyful days with good fortune winning over the evil. He further said that the festival is celebrated by their ancestor to triumph for winning the war against adversary and sanctification for a prosperous life. It is celebrated in the month of Chagah Hiu (October) every year, he added.
Speaking at the function, Joint Director, Tribal Research Institute, Z Solomon expressed his happiness on seeing the well preserved culture of Liangmei, as his Institute deals with preservation and betterment of tribal cultures in the state.
He further said that the central government has sanction a sum of Rs 10 lakh and another Rs 10 lakh from the state government; the Tribal Research Institute is organizing the 2nd State Cultural Festival during December 8 to 10 at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong.
Different tribes of the state will participate and showcase their rich cultural heritage and a handicraft exhibition will also be held during the festival, he said.
He also appealed to all the tribal people residing in the state to extend their cooperation and participation in the festival.
Chief guest, MLA of Mao Assemble Constituency, L Dekho emphasized the need to have love, care and understanding among the various communities residing in the state to bring peace and harmony.
He also said that the Liangmei tribe has a very rich culture and they should preserve their culture.
S Vedeshwar Sharma, who attended the function as special guest, said that culture is one of the most important parts in human life. It is the culture that defines a place, a person. So, it very important for all of us to preserve our own culture, he added.
The later part of the programme saw various troupes of Liangmei tribe performing various traditional dances and songs to mark the celebration.