Naga tribes indulge in merry-making during Moatsu festival

Nagaland is a land of festivals where all sixteen of its tribes have their own culture and way of life. It is this cultural harmony that makes it a unique State.

Kohima, May 24 : Nagaland is a land of festivals where all sixteen of its tribes have their own culture and way of life. It is this cultural harmony that makes it a unique State.

Recently, the Ao tribe celebrated the Moatsu Festival. Held annually in May, the festival is celebrated in anticipation of a good and bountiful crop from "Lichaba".

The Ao's believe Lichaba is the source of blessings and the one who protects nature and the crops.

"During Moatsu, we pray to God and take blessings to sow our seeds for the blessings of cultivation," said Yongtsanglemba, a villager.

Originally, the festival lasted for six days, but is now compressed to three days.

"For young people like us, we get to see new cultures and learn a lot of things. It is also the time when we meet people from far and distant places. We call people and enjoy together," said Chubakumla, a student. "It helps the youth specially who have forgotten their culture. It brings back the past. It is very good that they are doing this. From here, we learn what our heritage is all about. We learn the rich heritage of our culture. I think it is very good that they are doing it," said Katimenla Imchen, another student.

The Moatsu festival is marked by the peppy songs and dances, all full of fun and merry-making.

One of the major attractions of this festival is Sangpangtu. During the programme, a fire is lit and men and women sit around it. They wear their best attire, and the women serve meat and wine.

The main purpose of this wonderful festival is to provide recreation and amusement to the tribe in the post-harvesting period.

All the festivals are linked to the harvest.

ANI