Northeast celebrates seed sowing festival “Lui-Ngai-Ni”

GUWAHATI - The end of harvest season is marked by the celebration of the seed sowing festival “Lui-Ngai-Ni” by Naga tribes in the northeast by offering prayers to the almighty for a prosperous harvest ahead.

During this festival, the God of Crops is invoked to shower his blessing on seeds so that the farmers get a bumper harvest.

The grandeur of the celebration was comparable to that of Bihu. Hundreds of Manipuri Nagas from Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram thronged the Eastern Theological campus to take part in the festivities.

Though ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni is a Naga festival, members of different communities also came together and performed at a single platform in a show of unity and harmony. Some of the participating communities included the anal tribe, chothe, Inpui, Lamkang, Maring, Memei (Mao), Monsang (Shirti), Moyon, Poumai, Tangkhul and Chakesang Losami among others.

“This is the first time we are celebrating Lui Ngai Ni in Jorhat, Assam. This festival brings togetherness and good relationship for all of us, said Ramhor Thumra, Organizing Committee Member.

People said the festival reminds them of brotherhood and oneness.

“This festival reminds us of sharing our love with others. It also tells us to maintain peace and oneness among the different tribes. This festival unites us and brings us closer. So, I am happy to be here to be a part of the program,” said Sungsot.

“Through this festival we would like to convey a message to bring peace, love, and harmony in Manipur as well among in all the Naga tribes,” said Wuzzu.

The Lui-Ngai-Ni festival is celebrated annually to promote peace, harmony, and prosperity and to uphold the Naga’s cultural identity. (ANI)