Nzaunalui Union Jalukie Valley celebrated 'Nsim Ngi' festival on 30th October, 2021 at Dr. Tumda Newme Compound, Jalukie Pungchi with Member, Nagaland Legislative Assembly & Former Chief Minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang as the Special Guest.
Speaking on the Occasion as the special guest, T.R. Zeliang congratulated Nzaunalui Union Jalukie Valley for taking the initiative in organizing the Nsim Ngi Festival. He also acknowledged Nzauna villagers that inspite of the physical and economical challenges by being located in the southernmost part of the state, bordering to Assam and Manipur, the villagers are traditionally enlightened and have a deep sense of responsibility towards the society. He also briefed the uniqueness of Zeliangrong Traditional attires, Ornaments, Hornbill & Amur Falcon dance. Stating that religion and traditional practices should not be misunderstood as one, he encouraged the gathering to be wise to choose the positive aspects of traditional practices.
President, Zeme Council Nagaland, Dr. Tumda Newme in speech stressed on preservation of culture and tradition which is our identity. He also emphasized on the importance of Zeliangrong dances and songs which is conceptualised in the beauty of the Nature.
The programme was hosted by R. Andrew Disong and Kidwayile Disong, which began with a special number presented by Nangkamlak Pame, while welcome address was delivered by Chairman NUJV, Haipham Pame and vote of thanks by vice chairman NUJV, Shilu.
The celebration witnessed various cultural dances such as Herie lim (Hornbill Dance), Awoi lim (Amur Falcon Dance) and Rehoi lim (Howling Dance) performed by NUJV. Apart from cultural dances the gathering were enthralled with the play of Nra Zube (Single string Violin) and Ntiam Mmutbe (Flute) performed by Haiguateung Newme and Dirua Disuang.
The Nsim Ngi festival is one of the most popular Zeme Festival which is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety usually during last part of October and early November. It is called so because during the festival, menfolk from both upper and Lower Morungs would clean up the big and long stretches of village footpaths with spade directing towards the jhum fields. In Zeme, it is called, 'Kepheu pualu Lamdi Simbe'.
It is also a festival of rekindling of the living relationship between parents and married daughters or sons, between families of sisters and brothers and also between families of married nieces and the chosen maternal uncle's family.
(Mamang, IA Peren)
