Manipur: Mao’s celebrate Saleni with full festive fervour

Pudunamei village of Manipur celebrates Saleni, a post-transplantation festival with Mao Traditional Indigenous War Game. The occasion was graced by members of legislative assembly Losii Dikho and J Kumo Sha

The war game is reportedly played on the second day of the Saleni festival by dividing the team into 2 groups the upper village society and the southern progressive society depicting the warring villages of the past. The game lasts for 4 days and is played age-wise in descending order.

Addressing the gathering, MLA J Kumo Sha expressed happiness to be part of the festival. Post-transplantation festival is considered to be one of the oldest festivals that is still in practice in Naga history and is still considered the most important festival for Mao and Poumai communities.

Losii Dikho while addressing the event said that the state CM could not come to inaugurate the festival due to weather conditions.

He further conveyed the message from CM N Biren Singh, to the Mao community. Talking about the game, the MLA lauded the villagers for their skill in playing the indigenous war game.

Losii Dikho further suggested including the game as a state indigenous game and promoting it at the national level and international level which could attract tourism.

It is also known for the maximum participation of players, unlike other sports. The state CM has reportedly assured to recognize the game as a state indigenous game.