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MOKOKCHUNG — The first ‘Ongjinaro Festival, a native flower of Mopungchuket’ began at Süngkotenem Park on Thursday, some 20 km from Mokokchung town with the president of Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Tsukti Longkumer, as special guest on December 14.
Ongjinaro (Sarcandra glabra) is a herb and known as herba sarcandrae or glabrous sarcandra herb. The festival aims to promote Mopungchuket tourism by tapping 'Ongjinaro' plant into a mainstream viable cash crop. Ongjinaro has been used as a Christmas decoration item for many decades, locally known as 'local holly.’
Speaking at the inaugural programme, MCCI president has lauded the organisers specifically the Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS) for organising the event to attract tourists as well boosts the economy.
Describing tourism as the fastest growing industries in the world, Longkumer called upon the residents of Mopungchuket to promote tourism industry. In this context, he suggested the Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS) to maintain its originality whiles showcasing the local products to outsiders.
Saying that it takes years to build and promote tourism, he appealed to the people of Mopungchuket to be patient and strive to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
“Showcase the originality and distinctive features of Mopungchuket as a tourist village,” he said.
Stating that there are lots of expectations from Mopungchuket, he further called upon the residents to be resilient in promoting tourism in the village.
Limalenden Longkumer, MCTS convener, stated that the society envisioned collaborating with government agencies or interested entities to study and propagate Ongjinaro as a commercial crop. He also invited biologists and biotech experts to study the plant for its prospective medicinal values.
The two-day Ongjinaro festival witnessed sight of Ongjinaro in its natural habitat in groves besides food stalls served in authentic Ao Naga cuisine as well as fast food, sticky rice food items, dried and dehydrated local food products, fresh and dried flowers, ethnic handloom and jewelry, handicraft, music, and beverages.
There will also be a live music where Wapaang Longkumer, Yimkumla, Nukshiwapang, Limsor, Imnamenla A Kichu and Imnasosang will take the centre stage followed by DJ session on December 15 from 5 pm onwards.