Hongphoi students celebrate Aoleang with traditional fervour

[caption id="attachment_107136" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Women folk of Hongphoi village presenting cultural dance on the occasion of Aoleang festival celebration on April 1.[/caption]   Dimapur, April 3 (EMN): Hongphoi Students’ Union (HSU) celebrated Aoleang festival at the village football ground with Meiwang Angh of Shangnyu village as the chief guest and Junwang Angh of Mon village as guest of honour respectively on April 1. Speaking as the chief guest, Meiwang Angh said Aoleang festival, which has been celebrated since time immemorial, is inevitable and will go on from generation to generation in Konyak soil. Urging upon the youth to respect elders as in tradition, he appealed the Konyak community to work together for peace and development. Also pointing out that most Konyak youth today are ignorant of the tradition and customs, he urged upon the Konyak elders to be thorough with traditions and customs so as to impart correct customs and traditional values to the younger generation. [caption id="attachment_107134" align="alignright" width="300"] Participant at the bamboo pole climbing contest during Aoleang festival.[/caption] Emphasising on the need to preserve Konyak traditions and customs and at the same time impart them to the younger generation, he urged upon the Konyak leaders and elders to take initiatives in establishing a cultural institute. The celebration was marked with grand feast and presentation of traditional dance and songs. The programme was chaired by Nonkhao, HSU assistant finance secretary, while the invocation was said by Rev. R Phowang, pastor HBC, and welcome note was delivered by Daniel, HSU president. Special song was presented by Ponjai and Nahzei and the vote of thanks was delivered by Lemwang, Deputy Angh of Hongphoi.