DC Peren, Hiazu Meru at the second edition of the Cosmos (Nraipa) cum Lekie Cai Festival commenced at Peletkie village in Peren district on October 10.
Peren, October 10 (MExN): The second edition of the Cosmos (Nraipa) cum Lekie Cai Festival commenced at Peletkie village in Peren district on Saturday, with organisers expecting a large turnout over its 11-day run from October 10 to 20.
The festival is organised by Lekie Mtei Nko (LMN), the apex body of the three sister villages of Peletkie, Deukwaram and Lekieram, and serves as a cultural and economic showcase of the region, stated a press release.
Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, attended the inaugural programme as the special guest on behalf of the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland for Planning & Transformation and National Highways.
Speaking at the inaugural venue, Meru lauded the organising committee for its innovative presentation of indigenous heritage, specifically highlighting the live demonstration of local traditional salt preparation, which brought the processing technique directly to visitors who might otherwise be unable to trek to the remote extraction sites located far outside the village limits.
He urged the younger generation to protect and continue practising the quality traditions passed down by their elders, emphasising that the village has gained widespread popularity since last year by leveraging social media platforms to advertise its unique cosmos plantations. Meru commended the villagers for utilising digital outreach to effectively boost the local micro-economy.
Highlighting Lekie Cai as a highly prized, unique product used extensively within Peren district and neighbouring regions, Meru advised the community to draft structured plans to modernise and scale up the salt-making process. He assured the village of administrative support and strongly encouraged it to pursue a geo-tag for the local product to optimise its market potential.
Turning his focus towards regional employment, the special guest urged the youth to avoid laziness, embrace entrepreneurship and value hard work and the dignity of labour, noting that state government sector roles have reached a point of saturation.
The event proceedings were compered by Ngautube R Zeliang and Idosile Miliang, with an invocation prayer offered by Lekie Baptist Church pastor Peusibe Kenn. Organising committee chairman Dilam Haisobe delivered the keynote address, followed by a traditional salt song presented by Suihakpe Miliang and a cosmos song performed by Indule and Ramyiheing Chamlak. The formal session concluded with remarks from LMN general secretary Iliegongbe Miliang and a benediction by Lekie Mtei Mission Board chairman Namhingheing Disong.
The festival grounds are equipped to host visitors throughout the 11-day run, offering an array of local food stalls, tea stalls, organic vegetable markets and dedicated campsites for overnight travellers.
Commuters planning to visit from Dimapur can expect a travel time of two and a half hours when driving from 7th Mile via the Pimla-Jalukie road, while visitors travelling from Kohima will take between two and a half and three hours via the Khonoma-Heunambe village route along the Hausum Khel Resort-Benreu road.
The festival will continue its daily exhibitions and cultural showcases until its conclusion on October 20.
