Nagaland Governor releases special postal cover on Naga back basket

DIMAPUR— Governor of Nagaland La. Ganesan on Thursday released a special postal cover on Naga back basket at Raj Bhavan in Kohima.

Speaking at the event, Ganesan said a Naga back basket holds important relevance in the Naga society, according to an update from PRO Raj Bhavan.

He said that it is used not just to carry water, firewood, rice or vegetables by the Naga women but also often gifted to a girl by her parents or beloved ones as a sign of his love and affection.

The Naga back basket is usually associated with rural Naga woman, epitomizing handwork, responsibility and affection of the Naga women, he said, adding that a women’s handwork and contributions to a family often go unappreciated.

The governor lauded the effort of the Postal department, Government of India, for releasing the special covers of the Naga back basket, which he termed as a tribute to all Naga mothers and Naga women.

Dwelling on the process of making Naga back baskets, he said it is made by men during the leisure time after toiling in the field. ‘In the olden days, there were no professional weavers and every man was a professional in basket weaving in his own right and weaves for his family, which signifies economic independence and self sufficiency,’ he added.

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Meanwhile, the governor said Nagaland has a rich history of culture and tradition but the younger generation is losing touch with traditional practices and values with changing times. On this, he expressed happiness over many Naga civil societies taking the task of reviving the dying cultural practices and traditional arts by teaching the younger generation.

Asserting that “the importance of preserving and propagating our culture can never be overstated as it is our identity”, the governor said the Postal department’s gesture will boost the efforts towards preservation and promotion of culture and traditional practices.

Also speaking at the event, Superintendent of Post offices, Nagaland, L. Tiken Singh said it released the special cover on Naga back basket to promote the handicrafts of Nagaland.

He said this skill in basketry is an intrinsic part of everyday life of the Nagas and that each tribe in Nagaland has a distinct style of basketry using locally available bamboo and cane.

Singh also shared that Nagaland Postal Division has released special covers on all the four geographical indication (GI) tagged products of the state -- Naga king chilli, Naga tree tomato, Nagaland sweet cucumber and Chakhesang shawl.

The programme was attended by Secretary to Governor Rajesh Soundararajan, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan and officials from Postal department.