Nagaland: The Poanglüm Mini Hornbill Festival, organised by the Chang Khulei Setshang, is underway at Tuensang parade ground, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Chang community.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who attended the event as chief guest, described Tuensang as a “mini Nagaland”, highlighting that several tribes of the state have long coexisted harmoniously in the district.
The three-day festival began on Tuesday ( January 13), with the inaugural day featuring traditional log pulling, cultural performances and indigenous games such as tug of war and Naga wrestling. The festival will conclude on January 15.
Emphasising Tuensang’s historical importance, Patton said festivals like Poanglüm play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the culture, traditions and identity of the community
The inaugural programme also featured a welcome address by chief host P Bashangmongba Chang, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering; heralding of the festival by Yimkong Simba; theme exposition by W Chingmak; Poanglüm voice by Auching; and invocation by Rev Achu Chang.
Patton said the Chang community has consistently contributed to peace and harmony among the various communities in the district. “Being a historical district of the state, one must not forget the rich culture and tradition of the community,” he added.
The deputy chief minister also said the demand of the Easter Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Region comprising six districts of eastern Nagaland has been forwarded to the Government of India by the state government.
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Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guards C L John; Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Kazheto Kinimi; Advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources A Pangjung Jamir; and MLAs Neiba Konyak, Lima Onen and Imtichuba Chang, among others.
