Kohima: The Konyak Heritage Complex was formally inaugurated on Saturday at Leangha village in Mon district, coinciding with the celebration of the Konyak Aoleang Monyu festival.
The occasion was graced by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the Special Guest, alongside Union Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, as the Honoured Guest. Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, C L John, served as the Chief Host for the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended gratitude to all civil societies, the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, and the people of Leangha village for their cooperation in the successful completion of the heritage complex. He announced that the site will be officially handed over to the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) for management as a government agency, but urged the community to take ownership in preserving and maintaining it. Emphasising the importance of heritage, he called on the people to protect, promote, and pass down their traditions.
In his speech, the Chief Minister also pledged to construct a women’s working hostel and the Konyak Union Office at the heritage complex site. He encouraged the community to celebrate the Aoleang Monyu festival with peace and unity, and to use the occasion as a time for reflection on ancestral values and customary practices.
Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar expressed his joy at being part of the celebration, saying he was honoured to witness the vibrant culture and tradition of the Konyak tribe. Describing Nagaland as a true “land of festivals”, he highlighted the Konyak tribe as one of the largest and most culturally rich communities in the state. He further stressed that agriculture is not only central to the festival but also a vital part of the social fabric, serving as the backbone of society. The Union Minister underlined that such festivals are crucial not only for cultural preservation but also for promoting India’s diversity and the unique legacy of the Konyak people.
The programme featured a comprehensive presentation on the Konyak Heritage Complex by W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor for Geology & Mining, DUDA, and a briefing on its historical and cultural significance by Loungai Wangnao, Convenor of the Konyak Heritage Complex Management Board.
Earlier in the day, Neiphiu Rio unveiled the commemorative monolith, while the inaugural programme began with a traditional welcome ceremony and the ceremonial opening of the Aoleang Monyu by Yanglem, Angh of Leangha. The event proceeded with the banging of the gong by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, followed by the beating of the logdrum by Ukha Paan Nahalan, the firing of muzzle-loading guns, and traditional drum-beating at all nine morungs. The dignitaries later inspected the nine morungs, the Angh House, and the entire complex site.
The cultural segment of the programme brought together vibrant performances from the Pongchao Cultural Troupe of Arunachal Pradesh, the Tai Ahom Cultural Troupe of Assam, and cultural troupes from Leangha, Changnyu, and Wakching villages. A special presentation was also delivered by Shipshi Ungwung Khong of KNSK Aboi.
The welcome address was delivered by Tingtok Konyak, President of the Konyak Union, while the vote of thanks was given by Y. Chingwang Wangsa, Convenor of the Konyak Aoleang Committee. The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Kaiwang Konyak of the Art & Culture Department, with the cultural event session jointly chaired by Bangkai Konyak and M. Ngapya Konyak.
Participants in the cultural programme came from diverse communities, including Changnyu Village, Jaboka Union Tizit Town, Longchang Village, Mon Village, Chi Union Mon Town, Leangha Village, Wakching Village, Monyakshu Village, Wayen Village, Mon Town, and Wangti Village, showcasing the richness and unity of the Konyak people during this grand celebration.
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