The festival has also come to be recognised as a Tourist festival, occupying a unique position not only among the Nagas but also among other communities, she noted. She added that the festival brings together different communities towards the goals of peace, harmony and humanism, irrespective of caste or religion.

‘I am confident that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit and all will join in the festivities in a spirit of oneness. I, once again, convey my greetings on the occasion and let us all pray for peace and prosperity for the State of Manipur and its people’, Governor Uikey said.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also extended wishes to the people of the State, especially brothers and sisters from the Naga Community on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni festival.

Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival of the Naga Community, brings festivity and rejoice, where the community pay their homage to the gods and pray for their good health and prosperity, the Chief Minister said in his greetings. The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of February every year amidst social gathering, songs, dances and rejoicing, he mentioned.

He expressed grief over the prevailing situation and said that the State is passing through a rough phase and its fabric of peace and aged old bonding among different communities has been disturbed.

The festival holds relevance now, as it teaches us to share joy with one another and also promotes communal integration and harmony, while strengthening the bond of oneness amongst the people, the Chief Minister asserted.

He called upon all to pray for a bountiful and bumper harvest and seek blessings of the Almighty for a prosperous year and also wished that the festival brings peace and happiness in the State again, which everyone is longing for.