Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 25
A rare moment marked the Angami tribe celebrations of ‘Sekrenyi’, a sanctification feast which follows the harvest, at Kisama, the venue of the popular annual Hornbill Festival. Her Royal Highness (HRH) Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the crown Princess of Thailand, who arrived Kohima on Tuesday was accorded a grand civil reception at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The 58 year old Princess, was escorted to the Kisama Ampitheatre by the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) “warriors”, as she graced the first day of the ten day celebrations of Sekrenyi.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was the chief host of the festival, extended festive greetings to all and warmly welcomed the royal guest on her maiden royal visit to the state. He expressed hope that the royal visit will go a long way to strengthen relations between Thailand and Nagaland.
Pointing out that there are many similarities between the Thais and the Nagas such as physical features, food and culture, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the royal entourage will feel “at home” during their brief stay in the state.
Rio said that there has been good ties between the people of Nagaland and Thailand and he expressed appreciation of the keen interest shown by the latter towards the Naga culture. He also mentioned the participation of Thai cultural troupe at Kisama during the Hornbill Festival earlier, stating, “Our people appreciated the visit and the performance”. He asserted that such connections as well as the visit of the royal guest will increase people to people relation in exchanging thoughts, ideas and culture.
Rio also said the royal visit will be another landmark for the ‘Look East Policy’ of the Centre, which strives to bring economic development by trades with the ASEAN countries via North Eastern states, including Nagaland.
Earlier, Sekrenyi Blessings was invoked by Neisa Thol while cultural troupes representing the different tribes of Nagaland performed the Naga Unity Dance.
As any Naga tribal festival would be incomplete without a display of traditional sport, Naga wrestling, a traditional sport used to settle scores in the olden days and popular among the Angami tribe, was exhibited during the programme. The festival concluded after a traditional beating of retreat sounded by the Viswema Youth Organization.
Besides the Angami community, a host of state government officials and guests from other tribes attended the programme.
The Sekrenyi, celebrated each year by the Angamis in the month of ‘Keno’ (February) after the full moon, is observed to ensure the good health of the community for the ensuing year.
Following the festival, the royal entourage proceeded to the World War II Museum at Kisama and the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn unveiled a monolith in the premises, commemorating the royal visit.
