Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026, a seed sowing festival celebrated by the Naga community, took place on Sunday at the Ukhrul Headquarters Ground in Ukhrul district. Organized by the State Level Organizing Committee under the United Naga Council with the theme “Cultural Renaissance,” the event was hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long and featured prominent figures including Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, as Chief Guest, and Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Losii Dikho, as Guest of Honour. At the inaugural function, Dr. Rio unveiled the Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026 Monolith and emphasized that the festival serves a dual purpose: honoring the forefathers who sowed both seeds and communal values, fostering mutual bonds and praying for agricultural abundance. He remarked on the necessity of reflection before growth, unity before progress, and faith before abundance. Losii Dikho echoed these sentiments, urging the Naga community to promote peace and avoid violence, highlighting the importance of coexistence.
The celebration commenced with blessings bestowed upon seeds by Kashung Tennyson, President of Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long, who distributed seeds to the presidents of all 21 Naga tribes. A competitive highlight was the fire lighting contest, won by the Rongmei tribe, which was given the honor of igniting the Lui-Ngai-Ni torch. The festival also showcased various cultural performances, including the blowing of a buffalo horn by Guru Rawung AS, indigenous wrestling by the Poumai Naga tribe, and dance performances by the Yimkhiung Tribal Council.
The inaugural function also included the presence of several MLAs: Awangbou Newmai (Principal Celebrant), Ramnganing Muivah and J. Kumo Sha (Honoured Celebrants), Khashim Vashum (Chief Host), and Leishiyo Keishing (Valedictory Guest), all contributing to the festive atmosphere and cultural richness of the event.
