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Dimapur, Jan. 20 (EMN): The third edition of ‘Chengu’ festival, organised by the Tizu valley biodiversity conservation and livelihood network (TVBVLN) and funded by Japan for global environment of the environmental restoration and conservation agency, was celebrated at Ghukhuyi village in Zunheboto district on January 18. Advisor for Tourism and Art and Culture, H Khehovi Yeputhomi, was the special guest and agriculture production commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema, was the guest of honour.
The festival was celebrated on the theme 'With special focus on traditional agriculture,' a DIPR report stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Yeputhomi said that God's greatest gift to humans is nature and its resources. He stated that Nagaland despite being a small state has beautiful landscapes and rich culture and traditions and urged everyone to preserve the natural resources and do away with hunting and destruction of natural resources.
He also encouraged the people to make good use of the various schemes and projects provided by the central and state governments and help the poor and needy in rural areas. He also requested the older people to teach the young people folk songs, folklores, folk dances and also teach them to preserve one's traditional costumes and ornaments so that they too in turn could teach their children thereby preserve the rich culture and traditions.
On the occasion, he also released one Chengu bird, which was rescued from hunters.
Also speaking on the occasion, Kikheto also stressed on conserving natural resources, protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity by prohibiting hunting, logging, mining etc. He stated that by conserving natural resources, they could minimise depletion of resources as well as preserve resources for the future generation.
He also urged the villagers to practice farming for livelihood and come forward to the concerned department particularly Agriculture and Forest departments if they have any doubts regarding the use of pesticides or any artificial means of cultivation in order to conserve the soil. He added that with modernisation and changing Naga society, the traditional shifting cultivation or jhum cultivation is currently in transition. He, therefore, stated that it is imperative to understand the role of shifting cultivation for sustainable development in present context.
The deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Peter Lichamo, has appreciated the GBs, elders and all the citizens of the three villages namely Kivikhu, Sukhai and Ghukhuyi for making the ‘Chengu’ festival happened and also requested them to do even more better and be an example to other villagers so that they would join them in preserving the wild animals and natural resources.
The keynote address was delivered by Sataya Prakash Tripathi, chairman NSBB, while Kakishe Murru delivered the vote of thanks.
The program was followed with a presentation of cultural items by various teams from the three villages.