Dimapur (Nagaland), Dec 10 : Dimapur city recently wore a colourful look as several Naga tribes, in their traditional attire, gathered to commemorate 60 years of the Naga Council’s establishment.

Formed in 1949 by a handful of Nagas to promote the welfare of their community, the organization is presently a conglomeration of 19 Naga tribes and two mass based organizations, namely the Dimapur Naga Women Hoho and the Dimapur Naga Students Union.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who inaugurated the event, praised the efforts of Naga Council for promoting peace and harmony.

“This is the only city, the commercial hub, where all the Naga tribes, including other communities, business communities are settled and it is a proud moment that we survived 60 years under the banner of this Naga Council in harmony, supporting one another, indeed it is a joyous occasion,” Rio said.

It is for the first time all affiliated 19 Naga tribes and non-Naga communities jointly showcased tribal dance, folksongs, ethnic cuisine and attires to the younger generation.

The goal was to foster trust and harmony among all citizens of Nagaland and to create a sense of oneness.

“To come up with the idea to organize a cultural festival not only including Naga, but the non-Naga community, I think this is a right step. And festivals such as these will build up more communal ties, better relationship,” said Panti Kamei, a student leader and participant.

Athilii Khrase, a participant, said: “This kind of event should be promoted because by coming together we feel the closeness and affinity of our family, so irrespective of different tribes, community, unless we get this kind of platform.”

The Marwaris, Gorkhas, Muslims, Garos and Tibetans all gave their full support to make the festival a grand success.

The two-day celebrations provided an opportunity for the people of Nagaland to celebrate the multiplicity of culture and tradition. (ANI)