Peren, Nagaland – The Chega-Gadi cum Mini Hornbill Festival, a significant cultural celebration for the Zeliang people, commenced on October 30, 2024, in Nzau Village, located in the Tening subdivision of Peren District.
The event, which holds particular importance for the Liangmai community, was inaugurated by esteemed guests Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak and MLA Imtichuba Chang, marking the occasion with vibrant traditional festivities and a strong sense of community spirit.
Rooted in deep cultural significance, the Chega-Gadi festival represents blessings, health, and bountiful harvests. It serves as a time for families to reconnect, as relatives—including parents, brothers, and maternal uncles—prepare special delicacies to share with their married daughters, sisters, and nieces.
This tradition highlights the deep familial bonds within the community, fostering love and unity among its members.
Namri Nchang, the MLA and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Peren, hosted the festival and emphasized the vital role of preserving cultural values and dialects for future generations. He passionately encouraged attendees to embrace the festival’s core essence, asserting, “Culture and tradition should not merely be viewed as religious practices but as the treasured heritage of our tribe that must be safeguarded for the coming generations.”
In her address, MP S. Phangnon Konyak congratulated the community and inspired attendees to take pride in their unique cultural identity. “This festival should motivate us all to pursue a future that honors our roots and promotes our cultural heritage,” she stated, highlighting the importance of unity and resilience in preserving their traditions.
The celebration featured several speakers, including MLA Imtichuba Chang and Peren Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru, NCS, who spoke about the festival’s significance in fostering community bonds and maintaining traditions. Zandi Domta, President of the Nzau Village Protection Organization (NZPO), delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Thunbui, an Assistant Professor at the Central Institute of Hindi, Agra (Dimapur Centre), elaborated on the cultural importance of the Chega-Gadi festival. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Hurui, the Vice President of the BJP Nagaland unit.
The festivities began with a prayer led by Rev. Kamwang Rentta, Pastor of the Town Baptist Church in Tening, invoking blessings for the community on this auspicious occasion. The festival showcased a rich tapestry of folk songs, traditional dances, and cultural presentations, reflecting the vibrant heritage of the Zeliang people and reaffirming their commitment to cultural preservation and unity.
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