Lao-ong Mo is a significant cultural event for the Konyak community, marking the celebration of a bountiful harvest and the coming together of people to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage.
MP Lok Sabha, Arunachal East Constituency, Tapir Gao graced the Konyak Lao-Ong Mo festival 2024 as Special Guest, on 28th September 2024 at Local Ground, Mon. He was warmly welcomed in a traditional way by the Cultural troops with blowing of horn by 11 wards and beating of Log drum by Totok Union. Later the special guest inaugurated the festival by beating Gong. The Arunachal MP was accompanied by his lady wife, MP (Rajya sabha) Phangnon Konyak, , Advisor W. Chingang Konyak and MLA, Manpon Konyak.
Seeing the people in a festive mood with rich traditional attire and presenting cultural songs and dances using indigenous musical instruments, Tapir Gao expressed his gratitude and encouraged the Konyaks to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage and added that the rich colourful attires signify the identity of the people we belong to. At the same time the Arunachal MP also asserted that health and education is an important aspect of our life, he urged the gathering to strive for eradication of drug menace from the society, and not to depend only on the administration and Police force alone. He called upon the people to avoid and prevent drugs and save the young generation.
As a part of the celebrations, a traditional song “Kongkih lahha vÜnglak” was presented by Wakching KU Unit, Special Number “Puyim KeangphÜt Hem” with indigenous musical instruments was presented by Tanhai Village. Cultural song was also presented by Mon Town Students’ Union, Wagiem Ward KNSK, and Sheanghah Union Mon Town.
President Konyak Union, Tingtok Konyak delivered the welcome address and a brief note on Lao-ong Mo was presented by Wanshi Phongnyu. P. Angchai and Wanle Nekong were the compere of the programme and vote of thanks was delivered by Y. Pongba Convener. The other highlights of the programme were indigenous games like Fire making, throwing of spear, indigenous wool making and rice grinding.
(Pelih, IA, Mon)
