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EM Bureau
Mokokchung/Dimapur, May 3 (EMN): ‘Moatsu’- the premier festival of the Ao Naga was celebrated in all the Ao villages in Mokochung district and in Dimapur on May 3 with traditional fervour.
In Mopungchuket village, the festival was celebrated with MLA Dr. Imtiwapang at Pongen Reju Kima organised by the Pongen Khel Sports Association.
Speaking on the occasion, Aier, has stressed on the importance of protecting and preservation of culture. Asserting that change is inevitable, he reminded the people not to allow western culture dilute and overshadow its rich culture.
“It is the responsibility of everyone to protect and preserve our rich culture and tradition for the future generation,” he said.
Stating that Mopungchuket is “Traditional village and father of culture and tradition,” he urged the elders of the villages to tell factual story.
Sungratsu village also celebrated ‘Moatsu,’ which was marked with traditional songs and folk dance performances.
Peer groups from youngest to the eldest presented cultural items and provided opportunity to the budding generations to demonstrate the heritages of their village.
The deputy commissioner of Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, graced the occasion as the special guest. In his speech, the special guest has stressed on the need to do away with ‘living in the past glory’ and to march abreast with the advancement of the modern world.
He also advocated that people should avoid certain practices which are no longer appropriate in this changing world but retain, preserve, and protect which are important.
Stating that Moatsu is celebrated to signify strengthening of community bonding, he said the Ao community in general and people of Sungratsu village in particular must continue its contribution for the welfare and uplift of Naga society.
More than 5000 people both young and old in their traditional attire participated in the festival.
Meanwhile, Ao Sens Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) celebrated ‘Moatsü’ at Senden Reju, Dimapur, on May 3. The festival is marked by folk songs and dances, feasts and merrymaking.
While speaking on the occasion as special guest, MLA Moatoshi Longkumer stated that the day is observed to ‘motivate and encourage one another as well as to change and make corrections.’
While referring to the sobriquet conferred on Mokokchung as ‘Land of Pioneers,’ the legislator has questioned if it held any relevance in the present context. In this regard, he preferred to call as ‘Land of Followers.’
The legislator also urged upon the gathering to deeply ponder on the often proclaimed word ‘unity’ and put into practice rather than as mere rhetoric. Some of the reasons for disunity, according to Longkumer, included jealousy, false witness, and inability to appreciate the good work done by others. He was of the opinion that unless all those things are removed, there cannot be unity.
Longkumer also urged the gathering to refrain from attempting to become wealthy overnight, as many people have lost their homes and land to creditors by doing so. Besides, he urged churches to focus not only on spiritual growth but also on economic growth, self-employment, and people's livelihood activities.
At the event short speech was delivered by retired engineer, Kazükaba Jamir, while the former chief minister of Nagaland, Dr. SC Jamir, recited Ao songs. Cultural dances and songs were performed by Asetkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Langpangkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Jangpetkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur and Tzürankong Senso Telongjem Dimapur.