The Department of Art & Culture in Nagaland organized a “Tribal Festival” with the theme “Igniting Cultural Traditions” at Kohima on Wednesday, in presence of the Advisor of Art & Culture and Tourism – Khehovi Yepthomi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor expressed gratitude towards the Department of Art & Culture for organizing the “Tribal Festival” in commemoration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to remember the freedom fighters who gave their lives for the freedom of the nation.
Yepthomi said, “the Nagas have a rich and unique culture, with different dialects and traditions, and everyone must strive to protect the unique tradition and culture. We live in a society which is in verge of losing its identity and culture. Therefore, everyone should encourage each other and teach the younger generation the ways of our culture by organizing such events.” He also encouraged the people to form cultural clubs and have cultural exchange programs.
He said that the government of Nagaland introduced the Hornbill festival, Mini Hornbill festivals, and tribal festivals to promote and preserve the rich Naga culture.
The official encouraged the people to make such an event a way of life and appealed to everyone to live in harmony and spread love and kindness.
The Secretary of the Art & Culture Department – Athel O. Lotha, IAS noted that “the Nagas are artistic people having a colorful culture. The creative activities found in the physical aspects, are reflected in the folk dances and folk songs. Even though Nagas have similar cultural practices, there are distinctive features which are peculiar to each tribe.”
Athel added that the main objective of the department of Art & Culture is to preserve, promote and propagate all forms of culture and arts in order to protect and project the cultural ethos of the community and hoped that this type of festival will serve as a reliable source of information and ignite in reviving the rich culture of Nagas.
During the occasion, Sunep Lemtur, recipient of the Governor’s Award (Music) 2021, presented a special performance, followed by cultural performances by the following 15 (fifteen) cultural troupes.
