The grand seed sowing festival, organized by the United Naga Council (UNC), will be held at Hunphun in Ukhurl district headquarters. The theme for this year is Sowing Seeds of Change'.
The celebrations come at a time when the UNC, a conglomerate of several Naga civil bodies in Manipur, has intensified its campaign for an alternate administrative arrangement for the community that is not linked to the state government. Ceremonial blessings, cultural regale, Lui-Ngai-Ni Nite' and a spectrum of traditional and entertainment shows are the main highlights of the event.
The cultural programmes will witness presentations by folk dancers and songs, traditional games and sports, traditional musical instruments, a UNC statement said, adding that cultural troupes from the Chakhesang tribe and Kuki tribe will also stage special shows at the festival. There will also be an exhibition-cum-sale of handloom products, arts and crafts, food, seeds, audio-visual productions and indigenous musical instruments.
Traditional fashion wear display and other performances will be staged during the Lui-Ngai-Nite. The festival will be hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long and graced by Keviletuo Kiewhuo, president of Naga Hoho as the chief guest. Thangkhosei Haokip, president of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (Kim) will be the guest of honor.