‘I too want to wear goggles like the Konyaks’: Temjen Imna praises Konyak style, bats for inclusivity at Aoleang festival

The Konyak Naga Tribe living in Kohima celebrated it's premier festival "Aoleang" organised by the Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) and hosted by Mopong Hongkong Union Kohima today at the Heritage,

It was some fun-filled moments today as the Konyak Naga Tribe residing in Kohima celebrated it’s premier festival “Aoleang”. Delivering the inaugural speech at the festival, Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along left the audience in splits with his wit and humour. The crowd could not stop cheering, clapping and whistling almost throughout his speech.
The minister known to make fun of his own size and appearance lauded the Konyaks for their unique style and way of life. He said that the Konyaks stand out among the Nagas because of their style and added that he too wants to wear goggles like them and look cool but he has not been able to find his size. This left the crowd in splits. He praised them for their swag and lifestyle and said that Nagas love Konyaks and he loves not just the Konyak girls but the Konyak boys too. This was greeted by a loud round of cheer, whistling and applause. It felt like the crowd was enjoying every bit of what the minister was saying. He even asked the Konyaks not to feel too proud and that their nose should not become too long with pride and reach neighbouring places.
But on a serious note, the minister stressed on the importance of inclusivity of the Naga people and said that the younger generation of the Nagas wants to live as united Nagas and the days of divisive politics to divide the Naga people are gone.
“Our respective cultures might be different, our ways, we do and think maybe different, your taste buds and my taste buds might be different but we are one people, ” Along said.
He said that the Aoleang festival is not just a festival of the Konyak tribe but it is a festival of all the Nagas and appealed to the Nagas to look forward to a united Nagaland, for an inclusive Nagaland and for the journey together not exclusively but inclusively to build each other, help each other, suggest each other and commit for each other.
Mentioning that he has been following the Aoleang festival, he appreciated the Konyaks for their unity and their heart by allowing others to participate in the Aoleang festival.
“We should work together as one by not bringing any hate or ‘ism’. Today, we have the chance and the privilege to aspire for our works to aspire for a developed Nagaland, to aspire for a beautiful and prosperous Nagaland and which will include all tribes of Nagaland,” added Along.
Further, he said, “Today, be it in political, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio we are always trying to walk towards inclusivity and just like that the youngsters should walk towards the path of inclusivity.”

Aoleang is the main festival of the Konyaks from northern Nagaland. It is celebrated in the first week of April every year. This year Mon will be witnessing the celebration from 1st – 6th April. It is observed after the time of sowing seeds in new fields. Aoleang celebrations also mark the end of the current year and welcome the beginning of the new year with the spring season.
It is the time to pray for a bountiful harvest in the current year. It is celebrated with much pomp and fervour throughout the six days. Each day of the festival has its own significance, custom rituals and merry-making. It is a festival of sharing and forging ahead with renewed vigour into the coming year.

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