Imphal, Feb. 15: The seed sowing festival of the Nagas in Manipur, Lui-Ngai-Ni, was celebrated under different themes in the state on Wednesday.
Unlike previous celebrations, the state-level festival, which was usually held at one of the hill district headquarters, was organized with the theme ‘Sowing on good soil, Reaping in abundance’ at the Tribal Research Institute’s auditorium in Imphal.
Manipur’s Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, Additional Chief Secretaries WL Hangshing,Dr Suresh Babu, Retired IAS officers Nobert Disinang, NG Woleng,Jerol and LP Gonmei were the chief guest, guests of honour, special invitees and chief host, in that order, of the function.
Lui-Ngai-Ni is one of the biggest festivals of the Naga community in the state. The festival assumes much significance among the people of north east region as it appeals for peaceful coexistence and at the same time spreads the message of ‘live and let live’ cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion. The state had even declared holiday on Lui Ngai Ni day since 1988.
Events around the festival were also organized in the districts and villages in the state. There are also reports of the festival having been observed at Tamenglong district headquarters, about 150 kilometres west of Imphal and Chandel district headquarters, about 70 kilometres south of Imphal by various community organizations.
