Dimapur: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) and the Planning Committee of the Sekrenyi festival 2024 convened a press conference at the State Stadium in Dimapur on Tuesday to outline plans for the upcoming Sekrenyi festival, scheduled for Saturday, February 24.
Sekrenyi, revered as the “biggest and most important festival” of the Angami Naga tribe of Nagaland, holds deep cultural significance. It serves as a “festival of purification,” urging individuals to forgive one another and purify themselves.
Razouvotuo Chatso, President of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and Convenor of the Sekrenyi festival 2024 planning committee, highlighted the festival’s paramount importance within the Angami community.
He noted the collaboration with various frontal organisations and emphasised the participation of all four Angami ranges: Southern, Western, Northern, and Chakhroma.
Anticipation is high, with an expected turnout of “at least 15,000 people” to partake in the celebrations. Notably, last year’s festivities, held at the Angami Morung in Kisama Heritage Village, were scaled down due to the pandemic.
This year’s festival boasts distinguished guests, including Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as Chief Guest, with Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Y. Patton serving as Guests of Honour. Additionally, several ministers and advisors will grace the occasion as special guests.
Sekrenyi typically falls on the 25th day of the Angami calendar month “Kezei” and derives its name from ‘Sekre’ meaning sanctification or purification and “nyi’ meaning festival.
Reflecting on the festival’s evolution, Chatso explained that the duration has been shortened following the tribe’s adoption of Christianity. While once spanning ten days as Phousanyi, the festivities now vary from one to three days, devoid of traditional rituals and ceremonies. However, the festival remains a cherished platform for preserving and promoting Angami’s cultural heritage.
The organisers extended invitations to all 16 recognized Naga tribes and community leaders from neighboring states to partake in the celebrations.
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Co-convener K. Neibou Sekhose emphasised the festival’s broader significance as a unifying force for all Nagas. With a motto of “together we can become stronger,” Sekrenyi aims to foster unity, rededicate lives to God, and promote oneness.
The committee’s outreach efforts extend to approximately 500 individuals from diverse communities, with hopes of hosting 15,000 to 20,000 attendees at the festival.
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