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Women showcase the traditional art of winnowing rice during the Moatsu Festival, which began on May 1 in Mokokchung town. (Morung Photo) Moatsü Festival 2025 begins in Mokokchung with celebration and reflection: The Moatsü Festival 2025 (Mini Hornbill)—the premier celebration of the Ao Naga community—officially began on May 1 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. Held under the theme “Celebrating Our Roots,” the three-day event is organized by Ao Senden and is being described as the largest Moatsü celebration to date. It is presented as a “collective celebration initiated by the Ao legislators and the government of Nagaland.” Naga cuisine recipes Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and special guest of the opening day, expressed gratitude to the organizing committee for what he called a “privileged honour.” Reflecting on the blessings and achievements of the Ao community, he stated that the tribe has made significant contributions to the state across various sectors, attributing this progress to the grace of God.  A man demonstrates bamboo cutting using a dao during the Moatsu Festival, which began on May 1 in Mokokchung town. (Morung Photo)He emphasized the need for introspection, urging the community to reflect on the legacy of their forebears. “In this changing world, as we pursue progress, we often forget the blessings we already have,” he said. “Too often, what we have becomes a victim of what we desire. Desire and need are not the same.” Touching on culture and tradition, he remarked on how modernization and digitalization have made the world smaller, increasing the risk of losing cultural identity. “This should be a time of deep retrospection—of what we have, where we stand, and what direction we are taking.” Naga cuisine recipes He further reminded that Ao Senden is in its 45th year, with only five years to go before its golden jubilee. “As we approach that milestone, we must be clear in our vision and purpose. Let this be a time of awakening and revival for our tribe—to return to the simple values passed down by our forefathers and guide our youth with purpose.” Earlier, Limanungsang, DB, highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of the Moatsü Festival. He explained that the festival traditionally marks the completion of sowing seeds and is a time to seek divine blessings for an abundant harvest.  He credited the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) for standardizing the celebration to May 1–3 across all Ao villages—an effort to unify the community and ensure inclusivity, regardless of status or background. Limanungsang underscored that the festival is also a day of forgiveness—an opportunity to reconcile differences between villages, neighbours, families, and individuals. “Through forgiveness and togetherness,” he said, “blessings will follow, and the land will prosper.” The opening ceremony was compered by Dr Limasenla Jamir and Lanuakum Jamir. The event was hosted by Lanutoshi Aier, President of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM). A welcome address was delivered by Thsüvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, followed by a special performance by the Note Grid School of Music.  Indigenous games such as spear throwing (Nü Tsüshishi), bamboo cutting (Nokjem) and winnowing rice (Jang Sepa Litet) saw enthusiastic participation from ward and range teams. The Inter-Ward Tug of War (Mepu Tsüngda Ar-Atsütep) was officially launched by Imkongmar, MLA and Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs. Cultural stalls were inaugurated by Sharingain Longkumer, and the evening saw a folk song competition (Sobaliba Kenten Toktep) graced by TN Manen (IAS), Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue. The day ended with a special performance by Dreamz Unlimited.On May 2, Ao Senden will host a grand civic reception for Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio — reportedly, the first time Rio is accorded such a reception in Mokokchung. Digitalization increasing risk of losing cultural identity: Sharingain | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
