by Vangamla Salle K S
: Ukhrul: At a time when global economy has slowed down and people continue to remain indoors in the wake of the deadly Coronavirus aka COVID-19 outbreak, tourists from Greece are seen enjoying as they participate in a tug-of-war game, locally known as ‘thingneira khangakhun’, at the ongoing Hungpung Luira Phanit, a seed sowing festival in Ukhrul district on Wednesday, in a viral video.
Tug-of-war or rope pulling is one of the indigenous games of the Tangkhul Naga community since ancestral times. The game pits the strengths of the two teams against each other and is featured in almost all the seasonal festivals observed in the region.
In a video which has gone viral on social media, tourists are also seen posing with local children dressed in colourful traditional attires.
According to reports, the team of tourists from Greece is on an expedition of the Northeast and, so far, have toured Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. They will also visit Mizoram before heading for Greece, reports said.
Luira Phanit, a traditional seed-sowing festival which is widely observed by the Nagas in Manipur, marks the beginning of the new cycle of agriculture activities and is considered to be one of the grandest festivals of the community.
The festival also invokes god’s divine blessings, locally known as ‘Ameowo’, for the crops to be cultivated in the year and to ensure a healthy harvest. (Eastmojo)
