Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 3
Stressing on the need to preserve Naga traditional folks and dances in its original state, MLA Azheto Zhimomi, regretted that today most of the tunes, dance steps and attire have been ‘modified’ and changed. This has caused dilution to the word ‘tradition’. It appears neither Western nor Naga but something else entirely, he maintained.
Referring to the inaugural show of the Hornbill Festival on December 1, he observed that most of the dances and songs performed had been altered to such an extent that it had become unrecognisable. “We were even jokingly saying if we were in Europe or Nagaland,” he commented. Further adding that, “Whatever dances or songs our forefathers were using that should be maintained.” If Nagas do not uphold it then we will lose our identity, he said as culture and identity were directly interrelated. This motto should be taught to the younger generation going forward.
The MLA, further, stated that the member tribes of the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) were the only group to preserve their traditional dances and songs in its original state.
Zhimomi made these comments as special guest during the inaugural session of the cultural exchange programme of the East Dimapur Youth Organisation (EDYO), on the theme, ‘Unity Beyond Own Communities,’ at Darogajan/Kushiabill, Dimapur on December 3.
Besides these points he further remarked that as the Hornbill Festival was currently taking place, people should refrain from organising other cultural programmes at this time. Instead, the people should support the event by personally attending it or postpone their programmes to a later date.
