Cultural extravaganza captivates spectators at Kisama

(Top) Ao cultural troupe performs a war dance 'Aar Tsungsang' (Bottom) Kachari cultural troupe demonstrating 'Daobo Atheng' at Kisama on December 10. (DIPR Photo)

Kisama, December 10 (MExN): Visitors from across the country and the world including the locals witnessed the last day vibrant cultural performances presented by various naga cultural troupes at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 10.

The final cultural extravaganza presented by the department of Art & Culture at Kisama was graced by Bedica Kant, wife of CEO,NITI AYOG and Arun Mohan as special guests, while Deputy CM Home, Road & Bridges, Y Patton and Advisor, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Women Resource Development, R. Khing  was present as the Host.

The 10th day of 'Cultural Connect' presented a glimpse of rich cultural songs and dances of the tribes of Nagaland, which witnessed performances from nine cultural troupes. 

The first performers were the Ao cultural troupe performed a war dance “Aar Tsungsang”, it is a enactment of the actual battles that took place between headhunters in the olden days. The 'Oyim' or leader plans the attack, the battle formations and also leads the warrior. It is a time to test the warrior's skills and those who are successful in taking an enemy head was considered a true warrior.

The Zeliang cultural troupe presented a folk - dance called "Linben", this dance is performed by asking a girl to stretch and swing her hands and be lively and dance along with her friends, it is also performed in two lines and many people can join the dance.

The Chang cultural troupe performed "Ausung Leangpu" (carrying House beam), it is performed by carrying the main beam with a number of sticks tied to the log which helps in dragging the log for the convenience of the carrier's. The Kachari cultural troupe demonstrated "Daobo Atheng" (Bamboo Stilt walking).The Garo cultural troupe presented "Wangala Dance", it is a post harvest thanksgiving festival. Forming two parallel lines, one female and the other male, they dance to the beat of the Damma (Log drum). The dancers offer thanksgiving to Misi Saljong (sun God) and in hectic rhythm, move to the beat of the drums, gongs and the blowing of buffalo horns.

The Rengma Cultural troupe performed "Akaku Tutu" an indigenous games, in this game, a group of players stand within a marked circle and one person is made to bend in the middle of the circle. At the start of the game, all players touch the head of the person bending. The person who is bending attempts to touch the feet of other players with his feet.

The Chakhesang Cultural troupe presented "Murinuomi Lizo" (Song of Orphan), it is a love song sung by an orphan who fell in love with a young lady. Unfortunately the girlfriend died prematurely and all their dreams and plans for the future were shattered. He was made to tend a chestnut tree in the field by the village people. While tending to his task, out of grief and sorrow he composed this song for his beloved. Yimchungrü presented Asaukkhu a warrior dance performed by Great warriors in order to protect the village from enemies.

Minister Higher Technical &Tribal affairs Imna Along, Minister Health & Social Welfare S Pangnyu Phom, Advisor Skill Development, Labour, Employment and CAWD Kazheto Kinimi and Advisor Law & Justice, Border Affairs, Treasuries & Accounts Dr. Longriniken and Advisor Tourism & Art and Culture H Khehovi Yepthomi were also present at the programme.