A two day i.e. 2nd
– 3rd May, 2022 Moatsü
celebration, a grand festival celebrated by the Ao Naga tribe, was organized by
Ao Senden in collaboration with Fazl Ali College, under the banner ‘Celebrating
our Roots’, a collective celebration initiated by the Government of Nagaland.
The Moatsü festival is celebrated every year in the month of May, it is a
festival of community bonding through feasting, singing, dancing, story telling,
exchanging gifts, and making new friends. The Moatsü is observed after the
completion of sowing, and to invoke God’s blessings for prosperity and abundant
harvest.
The Inaugural Programme
was held on the 2nd May at the College Auditorium and the Guest of
Honour for the occasion was Shri. Metsubo Jamir, Hon’ble Minister, Rural
Development, Government of Nagaland and Shri. S. Pangnyu Phom, Hon’ble
Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland as the Special
Guest. The programme led by Wt. Tiarenla Aier & Wb. Lanusanen Imsong
commenced with a prologue of Moatsü enacted by the Drama Club of Fazl Ali
College followed by invocation for blessings by Rev. O. Yashi, Pastor Sungkomen
Baptist Church. Wb. Chubawati Longchar, President, Ao Senden gave a warm
welcome note and an enthralling Moatsü traditional song was presented by
Chuchuyimpang Riongsanger Tatar Putu Menden. The Guest of Honour extended warm
Moatsü greetings and congratulated the Ao Senden and Fazl Ali College for
hosting the Moatsü festival at the College and the Special Guest wished
prosperity to the tribe. Fazl Ali College Students’ Union pronounced the ode to
Moatsü and the programme ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal
Dr. Temjenwabang.
The Museum & Art Gallery of the
College was also inaugurated by the Guest of Honour Shri. Metsubo Jamir.
Mesutoba Ao, HoD History Department
briefly highlighted the primary objective of the Museum and Art Gallery which
is to preserve and promote local indigenous culture and heritage. The Museum
and Art Gallery is divided into two sections- Cultural Room and College Depository.
The Special Guest Shri. S. Pangnyu Phom inaugurated
and declared open the Flower Exhibition & Stalls and Shri. N. Bangkhao
Konyak, Advisor (DUDA), Govt. of Nagaland inaugurated the Angling event at Amoklushi
lake.
The celebration
included various activities under the
theme ‘Scholastic Cultural Exposition’. Traditional dances were performed by
different groups, competitions like Ao Spell Bee (Class IX-XII), Prepared
Speech in Ao (UG &PG degree students), Cultural Cosplay (Kindergarten–Class
VIII), and Traditional Games were held with cash prizes for the winners. Tug of
war, an inter-ward competition was also arranged. There was Panel discussion on
the topic ‘Language, Literature and Cultural Dynamism’ with T. Senka Ao,
Padmashree Awardee (2022), Dr. Imlirenla Walling, Former President Watsü
Mungdang, Sentilong Ozükum SDO(C) and Chubatemjen, Sunday School Coordinator
ABAM, Impur as Resource Persons. Kid’s Carnival, Traditional Crafts exposition,
and Science exhibition & Tour were the other activities included.
An evening of Talent Exposition was also organised
where different items like Story Telling, Folk Fusion, Musical Piece, Dances
etc. were performed not only by the students of Fazl Ali College but
participants from Jubilee Memorial College and People’s College took active
part. Mokokchung Dance Community and some guests performers also showcased their talent. The celebration
blended Traditional and Modern modes with the aim to learn while merry-making.
Community bonding being one of the aims of the festival was promoted through
the Moatsü Feast. The dignitaries Shri. Ashok Kumar Barman IAS, DC Jorhat,
Shri. Mohan Lal Meena IPS, SP Jorhat, Shri. Nandha Kumar IFS DFO, Jorhat, Shri.
Shashank Pratap Singh IAS, DC Mokokchung, Smt. Aotula T Imchen IPS, SP
Mokokchung, Wt. S. Arenla Lkr President, Watsü Mungdang, Sp. Nungdokyanger
President AKM, Wb. Temsümoa Imsong Chairman, Village Council Chuchuyimpang, Wb.
Limanungsang President, All Ward Union Mokokchung graced the occasion with
their presence. The village folk of Chuchuyimpang, representations from
different wards of Mokokchung and well wishers joined the celebration.