Lui-Ngai-Ni, the Naga Seed Sowing Festival was celebrated at Ukhrul today. Taking part in the celebration, Lal Thanhawla, Chief Minister of Mizoram addressed the gathering and thanked the United Naga Council, Members of the Presidential Council, Public leaders and Government officials for inviting him on the occasion while conveying his wishes to everyone for a prosperous New Year and a bumper harvest. Recounting the gradual increase in importance of the festival since its conception in 1986, the visiting dignitary said that the celebration is now recognized by the state government today as an important cultural festival by declaring this day as a state holiday with the Ministry of Tourism according recognition to this event in 1997. He also applauded the efforts taken by the United Naga Council for making this event an important platform for introducing the beautiful dances of Naga tribes such as the Kabui Naga Dance as well as the varied cultures to the rest of the world. Terming the festival as more than a mere seed sowing celebration, Lal Thanhawla also described the event as an important instrument for promoting fraternity, brotherhood and mutual understanding among various communities in the state as well as an instrument for protecting our identities. He further wished for the people to continue making contributions for peace and harmony among the communities, taking note of the extraordinary individuals being produced by the tribe such as Yangmasho Shaiza, Rishang Keishing and W Shishak.
Gaidon Kamei, President, UNC, in his presidential address wishes the people on the auspicious occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, the Naga Seed Sowing festival celebrated during the onset of spring season to invoke the gods to bless the seeds for the crops for bountiful harvest. He also urged the Naga people to unite and remember the roots and culture as well as the moral values of honesty, hospitality and patriotism of their forefathers.
