Nagas in Manipur celebrated Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival, in various parts of Manipur at varied levels. Cultural bonanza, concerts and feasting marked the gala occasion. The state level celebration was held at Tamenglong district headquarters under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).

Lui-Ngai-Ni is one of the most anticipated festivals for the Nagas in Manipur, which falls every year on February 15.

Nagas from all walks of life engaged in the day-long jamboree of cultural extravaganza during the day. They came to the celebration venue in bonhomie to rejoice in promoting their roots, and in the spirit of brotherhood.  

In every Lui-Ngai-Ni, the celebration is laced with festoons and fanfare with the showcasing of tradition and culture. The festival is also a connection between the gaping hole of their roots and modernity.  

On this day, Nagas in Manipur make every effort to reunite with their roots despite the mad drive along the tide of the fast moving world.

This year’s theme of Lui-Ngai-Ni was “Quintessential cultural resurgence”.

Meanwhile, in his presidential address, UNC president Ng Lorho said Lui-Ngai-Ni marks the onset of the seed sowing season. It is an occasion to invoke the Almighty's blessings for the crops and a bountiful harvest and for the prosperity of the people, the UNC president also said.

Lui-Ngai-Ni has been celebrated for the last 36 years and in each celebration, the rich cultural heritage and identity are showcased through various cultural programmes and performances in the forms of dances, songs, indigenous games, colorful traditional attires and so on, to preserve, and to pass on the Nagas’ cultural values.

Lorho then said that, in today's increasingly interconnected world, the need to preserve and ensure the continuity of “our rich culture” is felt more than ever. With westernization penetrating deep into the remotest village and to people of all ages and groups, “our cultural system, fundamental principles, and social norms” have been diluted and are dominated by foreign cultures. “If this is not kept in check and balanced, there is a danger of cultural assimilation”.

The UNC president then said that, in the ongoing “ethnic conflict between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo community, there has been a huge number of loss of human lives and properties, and “our day-to-day livelihood has been adversely disrupted”. The unending conflict is detrimental to the whole state and not just the warring communities, the UNC leader also said. “With no law-and-order in sight, the state of Manipur is in a sorry state of affairs. The failure on the part of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to restore normalcy in the state even after nine months of conflict is very unfortunate,” he lamented.

The UNC president then said that, despite disturbances, violence, provocations and sporadic incidents inflicted to the Nagas, the United Naga Council, in order to avoid escalating the issue into communal tension between any communities, has thus addressed and resolved all sensitive issues through its customary law, as a neutral entity. At this time, the Nagas should be extra cautious and should not succumb to the evil game plan designed by the anti-elements who are very active in trying to drag the Nagas into the conflict, he added. “However, if our peaceful nature should be taken for weakness, and if such violence, provocations and attacks continue, it may attract retaliation from the Nagas out of intolerance. Therefore, we appeal to all concerned to shun violence and give peace a chance,” he appealed.

On the occasion, the UNC chief urged the Nagas to reaffirm “our stand and commitment to the cause of the Naga nation and face any challenges” and also urged upon the Government of India to materialize the Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM in letter and in spirit as early as possible. “To see the dawn of peace in the region and the country at large, an early solution to the Naga political issue is a must,” he added.

Speaking as chief guest of the festival, Awangbou Newmai, Minister for Water Resources, Relief and Disaster Management,  made a clarion call for peace in the state. Taking a strong stand in the platform, Awangbow pointed out that peace only “starts from each one of us and that one should start the initiative for peace in our own respective levels”. He also mentioned that playing the blame game and pointing fingers at others are not going to bring any solution and long-lasting peace”.

Lok Sabha MP Lorho Pfoze was the principal guest while MLA Ram Muivah and MLA L Dikho were the honoured guests of the occasion. MLA from Tamenglong, Janghemlung Panmei was the chief host. Special guests of the occasion were MLA N Kaysii, MLA Leishiyo Keishing, MLA SS Olish and MLA Kumo Sha.

The two-day gala event was hosted by the Joint Tribes’ Council (JTC) of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui tribes.

Leaders of UNC, Naga Women Union (NWU), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and their subordinate bodies and units attended the occasion.