Konyak community in Kohima celebrates Aoleang festival

KISAMA — Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along on Tuesday called for a concerted effort towards fulfilling the people’s aspiration for togetherness and live a united Nagaland.

He stated this at the Aoleang festival of the Konyak community hosted by Mopong Hongkong Union Kohima (MHUK) and organised by Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) held at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, as the special guest.

“Thank you so much–the ENPO people for making Nagaland so beautiful, I am sure this time with the inclusion of the Tikhir tribe, the Hornbill Festival will be very beautiful,” said the Along amidst cheers from the crowds.

He maintained that the festival is not of the Konyak tribe alone but a festival of all the Nagas. He, therefore, called upon the people to look forward for a united Nagaland and to journey together not exclusively but inclusively to grow as one adding that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, the state has evolved inclusively.

The minister said, “Gone were the times, when we wanted to bring divisive politics and work as people. This is the day and time when the younger generation of the Nagas wanted to live a united Nagaland.”

Lamenting that people only talked about their own tribes and aspire for oneself, Along stated that all the Nagas should aspire for togetherness.

He also hailed the unity of the Konyaks and impressed upon the need to carry forward the message through the festival on the true nature of inclusivity.

Pointing out that Nagaland is one of the most educated and literate state in the country, he called for effort to redefine the dictionary word ‘perseverance’ to work towards the goal without hatred and ‘ism’ for a society to grow together.

The minister said young people have the chance and privilege to aspire for a developed, beautiful and prosperous Nagaland and added that the state government is also working in the same direction.

He further advised the gathering to give their hearts and souls in what they do to be champion despite struggles and failures.

The special invitee and president of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), R Tsapikiu Sangtam, in his greetings, has termed the event significant. He called upon the Naga society to shed differences and the Naga mentality of hatred, tribalism, clanism, areanism of all sort ‘ism’ and maintained harmony, peace and tranquility in the society.

On the occasion, MLA Nyamnyei Konyak delivered the significance of Aoleang festival, while the welcome address was delivered by H Angnyei Konyak, president  ofonyak Union Kohima (KUK), wherein he stated that the festival is a pre-harvest festival to welcome a new season and invoke God’s blessings for good health and bountiful harvest. He added that it is also celebrated to remind its people of the rich culture, customs, traditions and other related practices to upkeep them in modern society.

A song was presented by Phangmei Khung, while cultural items were presented by Chen Area Nütanlan, Mon Circle Nütanlan and Tobu Area Shekolan. The invocation prayer was said by Rev. H Moba, Nyeeyompa, KBBK, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Jeiang, vice president of KUK.

Dimapur Tizit Union celebrates Aoleang

The Dimapur Tizit Union (DTU) on Tuesday celebrated Aoleang (Ozea), the premier festival of the Konyak Nagas, at the residence of its treasurer, B Tingnon Konyak in Kuda village.

The programme was chaired by Tehnu Wangpan of SM College, while an invocation prayer was said by Ako and the welcome address was delivered by its president, Yato Konyak.

A song was present by Nahyuh, while speeches were delivered by its advisor, Langlem, and KUD president, Mosa. A cultural item was performed by Tizit area female troupe and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by its vice president, Neiwang Konyak.

Meanwhile, DTU has conveyed gratitude to the Health minister, P Paiwang Konyak, for his contribution towards the successful celebration.

It stated that several other special invitees and well-wishers, besides its members, attended the celebration.