Zeme tribe of Nagaland celebrates 'Milei Ngi festival'

Dimapur (Nagaland): There are about sixteen tribes in Nagaland, each with their unique culture and traditions. Zeme Nagas are one such tribe that have successfully preserved age-old traditions. Recently, they celebrated 'Milei Ngi' festival with great enthusiasm in Dimapur.

Tenyimi complex in Dimapur came alive with the celebration of 'Milei Ngi' festival.

It is a festival of purification celebrated by the Zeme tribe every year. Dressed in traditional attire, young boys and girls performed traditional dances at the event.

Later, a group of women also performed folk songs to enthrall the audience.

The festival was organized by the Zeme Council Dimapur with the main objective of reviving the traditional practices of the Zeme community.

Apart from dances and songs, indigenous games like wrestling and long jump were held where many people from different age groups took part.

People also demonstrated the age-old lifestyle and activities of Zeme people.

"I'm playing for the first time and I feel good taking part in it. I also won the game, so I'm very happy," said Ichao, a participant

Zeme Nagas are spread across three states - North Cachar Hills in Assam, Tamenglong district in Manipur and Peren district in Nagaland.

Zeme Naga is a group of Naga people from northeastern parts of India. They also speak a language of the same name.

The term "Zainme" means people, but depending on what tribe you belong to different words can mean different things. The Zemes that are inhabiting in Nagaland call themselves Zeliang and those of the Manipur borders are called Zeliangrong.

There are many different tribes that speak Zeme Naga even though it is a endangered language. The tribes who still use this language are spread out among different parts of India.

Such festivals should be observed in order to preserve age-old traditions of a community.