From John K. Kaping
UKHRUL, Dec 14: One of the unique mega cultural events of the Tangkhuls “Ngashan Phanit” kicked-off yesterday at Ukhrul Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground with the opening welcome service.
“Ngashan Phanit” organized by the Tangkhul Naga Ato Longphang (the Northern Council) will continue till december 17.
The mega event, the first of its kind in the Tangkhul cultural era, will witness altogether 52 conglomerate Northern villages delegations contest in Tangkhul traditional folk games highlighting the motto, “Our culture is our Identity, according to the chairman AS. Thanmi, Tangkhul Naga Ato Longphang.
The chief guest of the opening function of the 5-day mega event was SZ. Samuel, chief security commissioner, North Frontier Railway Maligaon, Guwahati along with valedictory chief guest as C. Peter Ngahanyui, IPS. DGP.OSD. Manipur.
The deputy commissioner Ukhrul and DIG. 10 Sector Somsai Hq. Ukhrul will remain as the chief guest and guest of honour in the “Folk Game” competition of Tug of War (Thingneira Khangakhun), Aleng A. Shimray, IAS. Commissioner Excise, Manipur and Additional CEO. Ukhrul Autonomous District Council Smt. Grace Luikham would be the chief guest and guest of honour in “Bean’s Game” (Saotheila), in Folk Dance competition (Khamahon).
Varypam HS. chief engineer (PHED), Manipur and Phanitphang Wungkhai, Jailer, Ddditional SP. Manipurwoul present as the chief guest and guest of honour.
The Wrestling (Khangatuk) competition, the chief guest and guest of honour would be HA. Wungrampan, Headman,Hunphun/Ukhrul and Smt. Polly VS. BDO. LM Block, Aza A. Shimray Ex. MLA and YK.Shimray. General Manager LIC would be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour in the event of “Folk Song” (Laa Khanganui) competition and in the Traditional Folk item of “Top Game” (Sao Takkashai).
Professor Dr. Horam, Ex. MLA and Mingthing Horam, Special Contractor would remain as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour where as in the interesting event of “Traditional Beauty Pageant”(Ngala Khangayan) Chief Guest and Guest of Honour would be done by MK. Presho,Sr. Scientific Officer Science and Technology Ecology Wing, Manipur and Jubilate Kazingmei FGC. Imphal. Besides the Inaugural Guest of Honour and Valedictory Guest of Honour would be presented by Solomon Ningshen, President, TNL and Ningam Kasar, 2nd in Command CRPF.The Tentative Programme highlights.
The prizes in the event-wise figured as Rs 25,000/-,15,000/-, 10,000 for the 1st, 2nd and third for Folk Dance, the reward of Folk Song carries Rs 20,000/-, 15,000/- and 10,000/- as the first, second and third Position holders and the same Prizes earmarked for the competition of “Beauty Contest” and “Cultural Fashion Parade” and the Cash award of Rs15,000/-, 10,000 and 5,000/- each for Wrestling and Handicraft competition where as the prizes for “Bean’s Game” and “Top Game” would carry Rs !0,000/-, 7,000/- and 5,000/- each for the position-wise holders. The Cash award for “Tug of War” carries Rs 20,000/- for first, Rs 15,000/- and Rs 10,000/- for 2nd and third positions, according the the Organizing Council source. And in the meantime more than 15 villages delegations in strong number of participants had arrived in the designated lodging camps and there is still a report of more and more villages delegations are in the way proceeding to the hosting place.
