DIMAPUR, May 1 � Moatsu, the premier festival of Ao Nagas, was celebrated in Mokokchung today. Coinciding with the Moatsu festival, the National Level Folk Dance & Music Festival on �Discover North East� being organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) and Mokokchung District Art & Culture Council (MDACC) and Mokokchung District Administration is being held from May 1 to May 3, where artistes from different parts of the country will be participating.
Delivering the welcome speech, Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Murohu Chotso, thanked the troupes from outside the State for participating in the celebration of Moatsu festival. Acknowledging the initiatives taken by the NEZCC in organising the festival, the Deputy Commissioner said such an event gives an opportunity to share different culture and to promote brotherhood among the community.
President of Ao Senden, the apex organisation of the Aos, Dr Sangyu Yaden, who delivered the Moatsu greetings, said culture is the backbone of any existing society, saying that it helps in realising and understanding what we are, who we are and what we want to be.
Sangyu also said for the Nagas, it is the culture that brings people together and gives hope for posterity.
Director, NEZCC, Lipokmar Tsudir, in his speech, thanked the MDACC and the district administration for their participation and efforts made in organising the festival. He also said �for too long we have failed in understanding our rich culture� and called upon the youth to wake up and realise the opportunity ahead of them by upholding the rich culture.
Other highlights of the programme included, cultural items from Longsa Cultural Club and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang while cultural dances were presented by United Suyim Club, Ungma, Sumi Settsu, Sangtam Union Mkg, Chang Union Mkg and Zeliang folk song from Zeliang Community Mkg.
The three-day festival will include a Fusion Concert on May 2 and National Cultural Show on May 3 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
