Participants at the Doyang Folk Festival, held from February 26 to 28 at Doyang in Wokha district. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 28
The Doyang Folk Festival, held from February 26 to 28, culminated with a valedictory function at Doyang. The event was presented by Team Metamorphosis and powered by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The valedictory function was graced by T Lemlila Sangtam, NCS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism, as the special guest. In her speech, T Lemlila Sangtam expressed commended Team Metamorphosis for organising the festival, emphasising its importance in honouring the rich folk traditions of the Lotha Nagas, particularly in the scenic setting by the Doyang River. She remarked on the emotional significance of the event, highlighting the sense of pride and unity it instilled among the Naga brothers and sisters.
She noted that as Nagaland progresses towards modernisation, it is crucial to uphold and celebrate the folk traditions that define Naga identity. Sangtam encouraged the village councils, leaders and organisations like Team Metamorphosis to collaborate closely in preserving and promoting Naga culture. She stressed the importance of passing down folk traditions, which are often unwritten and passed through generations orally, to ensure that the younger generation remains rooted in their cultural heritage.
Lemlila expressed admiration for the vibrant folk dances and songs showcased during the event, which had captivated everyone’s hearts.
On behalf of the Department of Tourism, the Deputy Secretary wished the team continued success and reaffirmed the commitment to work together in the future, strengthening cultural ties and ensuring the vibrancy of Naga society for generations to come.
ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung in his brief address remarked on the growing disconnection between the younger generation and their cultural roots, stressing the need to prioritise language, culture, and heritage. He stressed that if we continued to forget our traditions, one be become refugee in our own land and lose our identity. He called on everyone to take the initiative in learning and preserving their cultural heritage.
Delivering the salutatory address, the Chief of Team Metamorphosis, Dr Thungbemo Kyong, spoke of Team Metamorphosis’ 20-year journey and its growing concern over the threat modern culture posed to indigenous Naga traditions. He reflected on the group's efforts over the past decade to preserve and promote Naga culture, especially as they feared losing their cultural identity in the face of modernisation.
“If we lose our culture, we lose our identity,” he said, emphasising the responsibility to protect and celebrate the Naga way of life. He thanked the Department of Tourism for their support and the officials who helped bring the event to fruition.
He further explained how, despite challenges in mobilising a larger audience, the festival marked an important step towards the preservation of Naga culture. He acknowledged the team's dream of a larger event but expressed satisfaction in their progress, noting that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."
He highlighted the significance of showcasing not only dances and songs but also the indigenous practices that were integral to Naga life, such as the traditional spinning of cotton and weaving of clothes. He paid tribute to the courage, integrity, and resourcefulness of the Naga forefathers, who, despite limited resources, lived with dignity and fought as brave warriors.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of ensuring that modern generations do not forget the lessons and principles passed down by their ancestors. He expressed hope that the festival would mark the beginning of a renewed focus on the preservation and promotion of Naga culture for future generations.
The event was anchored by Thungchibemo Lotha, HR TM, and Jennifer R. Humtsoe TM, Consecration Prayer by Yanchipeni Sangtam, Children’s Pastor, UBC Doyang, followed by Special Presentation by the winner of the Folk Song Competition. The function concluded with an Expression of Gratitude by Achanbeni Lotha, Secretary General, Team Metamorphosis, followed by the Benediction. The event also featured an exhibition.
The three-day festival competition included folk tale, folksong, folksong fusion, cotton yarn spinning, folk dance, rice pounding & winnowing, spelling bee, knitting, indigenous fire making, stilt bamboo walk, sharpest dao contest, spear throw, wooden & craft making, ululating.
