Konyak and Phom Naga communities with other CSO officials at the Aoleang-Monyiu Festival at Circuit House Zunheboto on April 4. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 4
The Konyak and Phom ‘Aoleang-Mongiu Festival’ was celebrated in Zunheboto town at the circuit house on April 4.
Highlighting the purpose of the programme, the chairperson L Chinglem Konyak, EAC Zunheboto (HQ) said the programme aims to strengthen bonds, preserve culture, heritage, folk songs and folk dances, ensuring that the younger generation is aware of our customs and traditions. “This will help them carry forward good practices and leave behind bad ones. The objectives of the festival also include passing on our customs and traditions from the early age to the modern world, preserving our identity, values, and roots,” emphasised the chairperson.
Dr Samuel, EAC of Atoizu, stressed that we are slowly losing our culture, traditions and language. He emphasised the need to promote and preserve these elements, many of which were once passed down orally. He called for the documentation of these practices to safeguard them for future generations.
Viki K Zhimo, President of Zunheboto Range Students’ Union, extended festival greetings and urged everyone to support each other, continue the festival in the coming years and strengthen the bond of brotherhood.
The Tsoinchu Sangtam EAC (HQ) Zunheboto also extended festival greetings on behalf of the district administration and stressed the importance of inter-tribal relationships, a sense of brotherhood, and unity.
K Yimso Yimkhuing, President of Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Union Zunheboto, elaborated and addressed the gathering about the importance of cooperation and unity, not just for the festival, but in all aspects of life.
Hamchai Konyak, Officer In-Charge of Fire & Emergency Services in Zunheboto, spoke about the Aoleang Festival. He explained that it was originally celebrated from April 1 to 6, but now it is celebrated for only 2-3 days. He noted that although we have many festivals, Aoleang is one of a kind and is celebrated with great importance. He explained that the festival is a time to seek blessings for a good harvest through folk songs and dances.
He elaborated on the different days of the festival: Day 1: Preparations and cleaning are done to welcome relatives and family members. Day 2: Domestic animals are brought into the village by strong men for slaughtering. Day 3: Animals are slaughtered, and the log drum is beaten in the morung (traditional community house). Day 4: Ornaments and meat are shared with relatives and family members. Day 5: A feast is held where everyone gathers together. Day 6: Family members are seen off to their respective locations. He also noted that after the arrival of Christianity, the festival was modified, with only the most important and socially favorable elements retained.
Meanwhile, Langto Phom, Junior Engineer Power Department Zunheboto spoke about the Monyiu Festival. He shared that Monyiu is celebrated after successful sowing and as a way of seeking blessings for a good harvest. It also serves as a farewell to those who have passed away, honoring their family members, relatives, and remembering daughters and sisters who have married and moved to other places. The specific aim of the festival is to teach the younger generation folk songs, folk dances, and cultural traditions while maintaining cordial relationships and sharing meals together.
Earlier in the programme, Solun, Pastor In-Charge of Eastern Nagaland Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto, invoked God's blessing. The welcome address was delivered by Manngai Phom, Primary Teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto and the vote of thanks was given by Kampha Konyak, a Firefighter at Fire & Emergency Service Zunheboto.
