IMPHAL, December 24: Lui Ngai Ni traditionally celebrated as the Naga Seed Sowing Festival has been observed in a more organised and formal manner for the last 28 years. A decision to make it formal and by its current name `Lui Ngai Ni` was taken in December 24, 1987 by the organising committee of Naga Seed Sowing Festival, Ex-chairman of Hills Area Committee, RV Mingthing stated in a press meet today at his quarter in Lamphel.
The name was changed because elder people of our community want the English name to be changed into an alternative name in the language of the Naga communities which was achieved by the great effort of Imphal Municipal Council ex-chairman G Moirangjao and his deputy Phaomei Thambaljao, and ex-councillor of ward number 26 of IMC, M Maringa.
They were able to change the name by combining `Lui`™ a word borrowed from the Tangkhul community and `Ngai`™ which is borrowed from the Zeliangrong community and `Ni`™, a word of the Mao community, he added.
The festival, which heralds New Year and in its wake is expected to bring joy and happiness, celebrated on February 15 every year was declared as a state holiday by former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing on February 28, 1988, he said.
Mingthing said we should not forget that the foundation for converting the Naga Seed Sowing Festival into Lui Ngai Ni was laid on December 24.
Ex-chairman of IMC, G Moirangjao said the festival which is recognised by the government should be organised as a state festival in a proper place where all the Naga communities can gather and participate thereby turning it into a beautiful festival.
The spokesman of Tangkhul Welfare Association at Lamphel, RV John said the Lui Ngai Ni festival includes many events such as a beauty pageant, cultural dance, demonstration of sports and ancients war tactics etc but the festival is slowly losing its relevance as the current generation is indifferent to the real meaning and symbolism of Lui Ngai Ni. Only the older people are excited about the festival nowadays, he adds.
In the press meet, former Vice-chairman of IMC, Phaomei Thambaljao and former councillor of ward number 26, M Mainga also participated.