Ao community celebrates Moatsü festival with traditional fervour

MOKOKCHUNG/ DIMAPUR — Ao community spread across different locations in Nagaland celebrated its premier festival ‘Moatsü on Thursday. Moatsü is celebrated to invoke the blessings of the Almighty for a bountiful harvest after the sowing season.

The celebration in Chuchuyimlang village under Mokokchung district was held at Anu Mai Amphitheatre with the commissioner and secretary of Industries and Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, as the special guest at the event. Coinciding with the celebration, the special guest also inaugurated the foundation stone of the Yakuki HiEERA Development Project Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking at the event, Kevichusa underscored that Moatsu festival is not limited to cultural extravaganza for a particular community but it is community bonding between other communities fostering friendship and unity.

He also mentioned that the Yakuki HiEERA Development Project is a significant project because Chuchuyimlang is the first village to come forward and present a holistic vision of what kind of development they would like to have in their village.

On the development front, Kevichusa mentioned the failure of Tuli paper mill and sugar mill in Dimapur, which according to him was a major set in providing employment to the ever growing population.

In order to address unemployment problem in the state, Kevichusa sought proper implementation of government projects at the village level. He was of the opinion that Yakuki HiEERA Development Project is one of the pioneered projects that would ensure economic development.

He stated that the department would extend all possible assistance for successful implementation of the project and ensure that the pioneering projects are taken up in other districts.

“The government is ready to come forward and help but it needs a little bit of push from below. It needs demand from the communities for better services, transparency and completion of the project. Our performance and effectiveness also depends on the village community and tribal community demanding excellent services from the Department,” he asserted.

Short speeches were also delivered by P Tokugha Achumi, director of Industries and Commerce, and Arnab Chakrabortty, director of Empretec India Foundation.

The celebration was participated by other communities namely Chang, Konyak and Phom tribes.

Meanwhile, the residents of Aoyimkum village in Dimapur on Thursday celebrated Moatsü, premier festival of the Ao Nagas, at the village ground with traditional fervour.

Speaking at the celebration the deputy commissioner of Dimapur and chief guest, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, commented that they are not only celebrating Moatsü festival but also a celebration of unity in diversity. Moatsü festival, which is celebrated to mark the end of stressful sowing season by the Ao Nagas, he expressed hope the celebration would foster unity, understanding and fruitful times ahead.

He also commended the young participants for their involvement in the cultural performances, expressing that such engagement would instill a deeper understanding of their cultural identity among them. He expressed concerned over the gradual erosion of cultural identity particularly among the younger generation.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for organising the Hornbill Festival and mini Hornbill Festival, which have rekindled the interest and enthusiasm among the younger generation. In this regard, he urged the gathering to keep their culture alive by passing down to the next generation.

On the occasion, the DC of Dimapur appealed to all village leaders to unite and work together for the betterment of Dimapur and make an example for other districts to emulate the unity.

At the event, the welcome addressed was delivered by the chairman of Aoyimkum village council, Imchainba, while L Nüngshi Ozüküm spoke on the significance of Moatsü festival and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by GB of Aoyimkum village, Imsünüken.