The Makuiluangdi Festival 2025, held from November 18 to 21 at Makuiluangdi village in Senapati district, commemorated the heritage and unity of the Luangdimai/Zeliangrong community. Organised by the Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF), the festival adopted the theme “Malanwangbo” or “Return of the Native,” symbolizing the homecoming of Luangdimai people from across Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.
The festival commenced with a symbolic procession reenacting the ancestral dispersal from Makhel, co-hosted by the Mao Council and LCF. This was followed by an Ultra Trail Expedition—a combination of trail run, cycling, motorbiking, and car rally—from Makhel to Makuiluangdi, tracing the legendary path of the ancestors who first settled at Makuiluangdi. The expedition was flagged off by the Makhel village authority and the President of the Mao Council, with the chief of Makhel lighting the ceremonial torch.
Notable long-distance runners, including Thaithuilung Pamei, Aaron Pamei, Dr. Achingliu Kamei, and Kiudamliu Gangmei, led the trail run, accompanied by students from Highland National College, Kanglatongbi. Covering approximately 40 kilometers, the run celebrated adventure, fitness, and cultural pride. Medals and participation kits were sponsored by IAS officer Thaithuilung Pamei.
Dr. Samuel Pamei, Chairman of the LCF Elders’ Board, highlighted the festival as a celebration of cultural identity, unity, and ancestral wisdom, while Dr. Engam Pame, Changi-Pi, urged the community to embrace their roots as they chart their future.
A key feature was the Village Stone Piling Ceremony, where over 600 Luangdimai villages contributed stones engraved with their names, symbolizing shared heritage and community unity. Cultural performances by the Zeliangrong Heraka Association, Tingkao Raguang Chapriak, and local students, along with traditional sports like tug-of-war, football, and ‘Kabuipi kajapbo’ (bullhead catching), enlivened the festival.
Prof. Ajailiu Niumai screened the animated short Rani Gaidinliu: The Iconic Woman of North East India, highlighting the legendary Naga leader’s resistance against British colonial rule. Other speakers, including Dinganglung Gangmei (Retd.) and Dr. Johny Ruangmei of NSDMA, stressed the importance of unity across the dispersed Zeliangrong communities.
The festival concluded with a flag-dehoisting ceremony led by Dr. Samuel Pamei and a vote of thanks by Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei, Co-Convenor of the Festival Committee. Support from the North East Council (NEC), ICCR Shillong, local educational institutions, and community organisations ensured the festival’s success.