Tseminyu: The Rengma community kicked off the two-day celebration of Ngada, the post-harvest festival, with vibrant festivities at the Rengma Sports Association (RSA) Ground, Tseminyu, on Wednesday.
The event, marked by traditional music, dance, and rituals, highlighted the community’s rich cultural heritage and unity.
Tseminyu Deputy Commissioner Rohit Singh, who attended as the special guest, extended warm Ngada greetings to the Rengma community. In his address, Singh underscored the festival’s significance as a cornerstone of Rengma cultural identity, emphasizing the deep connection between the people, their land, and their traditions.
Singh observed that Ngada is more than just a festival and that it is a celebration of their hard work, a time to honour the bond between humans, nature, and the divine. He highlighted the importance of community reflection and seeking blessings for continued prosperity.
Singh elaborated on the diverse rituals and traditions observed during the seven-day festival, such as purification rites aimed at rejuvenating the community spirit and fostering social harmony. He emphasised the role of traditional music, dances, and youth participation in ensuring the transmission of cultural values across generations.
The DC also stressed the importance of preserving oral traditions, which serve as a living repository of the Rengma people’s identity. He expressed hope that Ngada would continue to attract tourists in the future, showcasing the unique and vibrant culture of the Rengma Nagas.
Adding to the festive spirit, Vice President of the Angami Public Organisation (APO), Vikehelie Victor, extended his greetings not just to the Rengmas but to all Nagas. He highlighted the shared enthusiasm and camaraderie among the Tenyimia brothers during such festivals, emphasizing the strength of unity among Naga communities.
He called on the community to use the occasion to reflect on their shared heritage and work towards greater harmony among the Nagas, particularly the Tenyimia clans.
The event’s inaugural session was chaired by Nthonwa Magh, Secretary of the Rengma Hoho, while greetings were delivered by Rengma Hoho President, Er Tesinlo Semy.
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