The inaugural programme of Moatsü Festival 2025 (Mini Hornbill), one of the premier festivals of the Ao Nagas, a collective celebration initiated by the Ao Legislators and the Government of Nagaland , and organised by Ao Senden under the theme “Celebrating our Roots”, was held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokukchung on 1st May 2025.
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer graced the celebration as the Special Guest. In his address, he mentioned that “while celebrating a festival invoking blessings, one should understand that there are two ways to seek blessings, one is to realise the blessings we are bestowed with and how we can seek blessings through common vision and goals”.
While the forefathers of the society had the blessings to lead the people in every aspects of life, there needs to be introspection and at the same time retrospection on the blessings, where we left our footprints and where those footprints will lead us today, he added.
He also said that in this fast changing world where progress is the keyword, many a times there is a tendency to forget the things one is blessed with, thus becoming a victim of what one desires. In this context, he added that we need to understand the present society to envision a better future.
He further went on to say that in a global word of digitalization, education and progress, the society has become vulnerable to losing it’s identity, therefore there is a need to rejuvenate and relive the values bestowed by the forefathers.
Earlier in the programme, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji delivered the welcome address. The significance of Moatsü was shared by Limanungsang, DB. The gathering was also enthralled through Moatsü Naklu (Song) and a special song from Note Grid School of Music, Mokokchung.
The day-long celebration included indigenous games and inter-ward Tug of War competition.
(DPRO, Mokokchung)
