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DIMAPUR — The 4th edition of Chengu festival was held in Sukhai village on Friday with Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, founder and chairman of Livingstone Foundation International School, as the special guest.
The festival was organised by Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network (TVBCLN) comprising three villages namely Kivikhu, Ghukhuyi and Sukhai with Teri, VNV Advisory, GIZ and Tourism department as sponsors and event partners.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Ahoto lauded TVBCLN and partners for the community conserve area (CCA) initiative. Pointing out that the area is blessed with rich resources, he stated that it is now upto the people on how to utilise them, an update from TVBCLN stated.
While reminding that despite nature has given so much, he said greed has gotten the best of people and failed to prioritise their needs with random use of resources and jeopardising the environment. He encouraged TVBCLN to continue the good work and expressed hope that there would be more international funding to take up more conservation activities.
Rev. Hojevi Kappo, founder and director of Nagagenous, spoke on the theme “Our culture, our identity” and encouraged the gathering to go back to their roots stating that folk songs, folklores, food and dress identify who they are. Lamenting that the people are fast losing their culture due to westernization, he encouraged the gathering to revive even the traditional games, build house with a traditional touch and tell the stories of their forefathers to the young generations.
Earlier, introduction on carbon finance projects in CCA’s of Zunheboto district was presented by representatives from Teri and VNV Advisory.
The festival was marked with various competitions which included story-telling, poem reading, winnowing, chicken coop making and traditional fire-making and special appearance by children cultural club of Sukhai village.
Later in the evening, extravaganza night was organised with Khekaho Aye, senior treasury officer, Dimapur, as the special guest. The extravaganza night saw various local artistes taking the stage and enthralling the crowd through songs and dances.