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Governor PB Acharya and Chief Minister TR Zeliang along with their wives in Zeliang traditional attires during the celebration of Chaga Gadi/Langsimnyi in Kohima on Monday.[/caption]
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 31 : It is high time to show to the world that Nagas are second to none and also to make Nagaland a ‘Golden Nagaland’, said Governor PB Acharya.
Speaking at the celebration of Chaga Gadi/Langsimnyi, the premier festival of the Zeliang community, at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima on Monday, the Governor said festivals are not only for entertainment but have deep rooted meaning of bringing family and social ties closer and strengthening bond and brotherhood.
Reiterating that Nagas have distinct and unique cultures and traditions, Acharya underlined the need to preserve of one’s own identity. He, however, lamented that unfortunately, many Nagas are losing the flair of speaking one’s own mother tongue slowly.
Stating that speaking of our mother tongue is our first identity, Acharya said: “If we condemn our mother tongue and culture, our identity is lost.”
Chaga Gadi/Langsimnyi is celebrated by the Zeliang community to honour womenfolk for their participation in earning the livelihood of their family along with the menfolk. The Zeliangrong Baudi Kohima (ZBK) organised the celebration today.
Pointing out that the tribal festivals of Nagas are occasions for sharing of one's possessions and for strengthening community bond and brotherhood, Chief Minister TR Zeliang emphasised on recreating the flavour and the purpose of the festivals and rediscovering the value and dignity of labour and hard work, so as to make the celebrations more meaningful.
Stating that Nagas are comparatively small in numbers, Zeliang stressed that “we should preserve our culture and identity at all cost”.
Noting that celebration of our tribal festivals is one of the best ways to preserve our unique identity and culture, he said: “Once we lose our unique identity and culture, we will be counted for nothing by the bigger communities of the world.”
While stating that what the Nagas need most at this moment is unity and brotherhood, the Chief Minister urged the Nagas to use the platform of the tribal festivals to foster community bond amongst members of one’s own community and also between members of various tribes.
“It is only through our unity and oneness that the Naga political issue can be resolved in a peaceful and satisfactory manner,” Zeliang added.
Folks dances by Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei tribes and indigenous games marked the celebration, which concluded with a grand feast.
The annual post harvest festival of the Zeliang community also marks the belief that the Almighty God showers blessings and brings good harvest and health, and also rekindle relationship.
During the six-days celebration, men pay abstinence known as ‘Aliam’ by abstaining from any relationship with women, while the girls are given a treat with complete rest and feast called ‘Aliukuangkan’.