On October 31, 2023, the Zeliang People's Organization Chümoukedima organized the Chaga Gadi and Lamsimnyi Festival of the Zeliang Community, held at Chümoukedima Ward – I, Patkai College Colony, under the theme "Abundant Blessings."
The festival brought together hundreds of Zeliang Community members from within and outside the Chümoukedima district, all adorned in traditional dresses and fineries, to celebrate their cultural heritage and seek blessings. Chaga Gadi is celebrated as a means to invoke the blessings of Tingwang (God), with the aspiration of becoming great warriors, successful hunters, wealthy individuals, and to be free from sickness and misfortune. In preparation for these blessings, community members observe strict abstinence from physical indulgence to purify themselves for the year ahead. Lamsimnyi, another significant festival, fosters loving relationships between parents and married daughters, sons, and their families. A feast is a central part of this celebration, strengthening family bonds.
The festival featured a rich display of culture, including folk songs, traditional dances, and traditional games. Previously celebrated separately, this year's event merged both the Chaga Gadi and Lamsimnyi festivals into a single celebration, designated as a restricted holiday for the community members in Nagaland.
At the beginning of the festival program, Rev. Joshua Wijonamai, National Overseer of COGOP-India, offered prayers for guidance and strength as the community marked this special occasion. K Siaraung, the President of Zeliang People's Organization Chümoukedima, welcomed the community members to the festival, and Egalung Zeliang, an Elder of the community, presented a folk song.
Neiba Newmai, IPS (Retd), who hosted the event, spoke on the significance of the Chaga festival, explaining the rituals and traditions that symbolize the quest for blessings and good fortune. He emphasized the importance of men undergoing sanctification rituals and consuming food prepared separately with a new fire to usher in the festive season. He also discussed the tradition of spearing Npeung, a pole carved in the shape of a human figurine, which is a vital aspect of the festivities.
During Lamsimnyi, households maintain abstinence to ensure the safety of all participants in various games and sports. Special dishes are cooked and shared among family members, reinforcing the loving bonds between parents, married children, and extended families.
Rev. Dr. Rabi Pame, Director of Blessing Ministry, encouraged the community to preserve their cultural heritage while aligning it with the standards set forth in the Bible. He reminded the audience of the importance of glorifying God in all that they do and blessed the community members with prosperity and good fortune.
The Liangmai Baptist Phumling from Talouzauma presented a special performance, and Apale, Vice President of Zeliang Women Organization Chümoukedima, expressed gratitude during a vote of thanks.
In the afternoon, the festivities continued with folk dances, folk songs, traditional games, and Chami Malapbo (traditional Fire Lighting), symbolizing the start of a new phase in the community's life. Young men and boys enthusiastically participated in Tazuang-Hezwa (Long Jump), Tatun-Heram (High Jump), Tatiu-Chugi (Shot Put), and Chariang Asutbo-Heria Resutbe (Tug of War), which also saw the active involvement of women.
The festival attracted the presence of government officers, social workers, community leaders, and various dignitaries, underlining its importance and cultural significance.
(DIPR)
