Staff Reporter
Dimapur, February 16
Tangkhuls residing in Dimapur on Monday celebrated their seed-sowing festival ‘Luira’ in the premises of the Tangkhul Baptist Church at Darogajan.
In ancient times, celebration of the festival went on for twelve days during which various cultural and sporting activities were conducted.Ever year, the community celebrates Luira, one of their most important festivals, which commences from February 15. It is said that the 12-days-long festival has different rites and rituals mostly to do with love and friendship amongst the community’s members.
Retired registrar of the Guwahati High Court, Kohima branch, and current president of the Tangkhul Hoho of Nagaland, Raleng, was chief guest.
Appreciating the Tangkhul Union of Dimapur for organizing the programme, he said events such as the festival would teach youngsters about the past traditions and cultures of the community. He asked the gathering to ‘not forget encouraging the upcoming generations in their studies.’
He also said that the Tangkhul Hoho of Nagaland has decided to give an academic award to students who go through the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSC). The award would be instated from this year to encourage students to excel, he said.
Further, Raleng appealed to the Tangkhul Union to lead in initiating the construction of the Tangkhul Hoho’s building in Darogajan
The day-long celebration was marked by various traditional games such as competitions in tug-of-war, javelin, high-jump, and music among various Tangkhul colony representatives in Dimapur.