Dimapur, Nagaland
Poumai community in Dimapur observes ‘Cultural Sunday’
DIMAPUR — As part of its effort to preserve culture and identity, the Poumai Baptist Church Dimapur Town (PBC) in Kuda village (Nagarjan) observed ‘Cultural Sunday’ at the church premises.
Speaker of the day, Rev. Dr. H Gideon, general secretary of Fellowship of Naga Baptist Association (FNBA), stated that arts, dress, handicrafts, songs, custom, food, and language are all a part of culture and identity.
According to him, culture is of two types namely the attires and material things which can be touched and also those non-materials which could only be seen or transfer through songs, speech and so on.
He said that culture is important because it is one’s identity and stated that an individual can be recognised through the language he speak, the food he eat and his norms and values and dress.
Culture shapes our identity, he said, adding that culture also gives a sense of security and safety. He added that culture also brings people together and make the society stronger.
“As a Christian, we should maintain good culture and stay away from hatred and follow the Bible,” he said.
“There are good as well as bad culture practiced by our forefathers, especially before Christianity came, but as a Christian today, one should learn and follow the good ones,” he added.
Dr. Gideon also expressed that many of today’s younger generation has stopped following the good culture passed down by the forefathers but copy the western way of life and practices. He added that many games and sports, which were played by the forefathers are not practiced anymore now.
“Let us know our own society and do what will help us grow with unity. We should also transform and change our culture if it is hurting the others and adapt to new culture,” he shared.
Folk songs were performed by the church members during the programme, while special performances were presented by the church deacon Z Hrüni, Sunday school students and prayer was led by Luniirou Sounii and pastor, L David.
To mark the day, the church members played various traditional games.