Rengma community celebrates Ngada with traditional fervour

Dimapur, NOVEMBER 28: Rengma Naga community in Nagaland and Assam observed its premier post harvest festival ‘Ngada’ with traditional fervour on November 28.

The Rengma community of Kohima Monday celebrated Ngada festival at Naga Solidarity Park, below Nagaland Secretariat, Kohima. The day’s programme was graced by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, Chairman of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and President of Naga People’s Front (NPF) as the chief guest.

Addressing an august gathering, Shürhozelie lauded the Rengmas for achieving thus far and further urged them to continue contributing positively for the growth of the Naga society.

“Let not petty issues divide us. Indeed, let us be broad minded to pave the way to the upcoming generation to have a bright future,” he said.

Dwelling on the rich cultural heritage as the identity of the Nagas, he underlined the need for preserving our heritage. “We face the risk of getting unrecognised in the larger world if our identity is lost,” he cautioned.

Dr. Shürhozelie, who was conferred a doctorate degree in Tenyidie, emphasised on language as the most important element of our identity.

“Language is our identity. Many dialects are getting extinct,” he reminded.

Dr. Shürhozelie, who is also the president of Ura Academy, told the Rengma Nagas to learn Tenyidie, which is the common language of the Tenyimi communities.

He regretted that Rengma Nagas, though a Tenyimi tribe, are yet to pick up the language of Tenyidie. To this, he pointed out that there is a serious concern in promoting our Naga dialect.

While informing that Tenyidie language has been proposed to be included in the Eight Schedule under the Indian Constitution, he reminded the gathering about the possibility of Tenyidie language being selected as a recognised language of the country.

“Once Tenyidie is included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it will become a subject for all competitive exams including UPSC, NPSC, etc,” he remarked. He also made it known that, at present, there are only four Naga dialects which have qualified to be a subject in NBSE, further adding Tenyidie is the only selected subject in Nagaland University.

The chief host of the Ngada festival, Er Levi Rengma, told the gathering to celebrate the festival by renewing new friendship and further to forgive and forget the past, in order to pave the way for a brighter future.

The programme, organized by Rengma Public Organisation Kohima, was also attended by legislators, public leaders among others.

In a related programme, different communities under Bokajan sub-division converged at Jongpha village to celebrate the Rengma Naga premier post harvest festival ‘Ngada’ on November 28.

The chief guest and MLA of 17 Bokajan LAC, Dr. Numul Momim exhorted the members to give full commitment in all their undertakings to take the region forward at par with other regions, while on his part Dr. Momim promised everything possible for development of the region within five years.

Dr. Momim also spoke on his vision to revive and conserve historical places of importance in Karbi Anglong irrespective of cast or religion. On the economic front, he also promised to equip unemployed youth with skills for their sustainability.

To mark his first mission accomplishment after coming to power within five month, Dr, Momim also inaugurate a wooden bridge in Jongpha village.

Also speaking on the occasion, BJP national vice president of ST Morcha, Johny Rengma appreciated the dynamic leadership of Dr. Momim for bringing about all round development within a short span. Stating that peace is a pre-requisite for all round development, he urged all communities in Karbi Anglong to foster unity and harmony. Johny Rengma also urged the MLA to emphasise special attention to the area for equitable development in the district.

Member of Autonomous Council, Samson Hisso appreciated the Rengma community in Karbi Anglong for their endeavour in preserving culture and tradition. Stating that more than 182 tribes in the country have extinct, he encouraged the Rengma community to conserve their forefathers tradition and culture.

Meanwhile, Western Rengma Cultural troupe also celebrated Ngada festival in Nkhenlarinyu village in Karbi Anglong on November 28. Despite having gone through untold difficulties, yet they celebrate this festival each year with same enthusiasm by inviting all neighbors.

The Western Rengma Students’ Union has thanked all tribals and non tribals who have attended the festival and also presented their
cultural items. It especially thanked the Adivasi troupe in Nkhenlarinyu village.

The Ngada festival is celebrated towards the end of November month every year. The premier festival marks the completion of the agricultural year and the enjoyment of the year’s harvest.

It is a festival where the poor and rich share with each other without any distinction. It is also a festival where the wrong doings of individuals against each other are forgiven and forgotten.

The Ngada festival also marks the remembrance of the death ones by sharing drinks and food in the form of offerings at their graveyards.