A Naga cultural troupe performing a traditional dance

Kohima, Jan. 5: The 125th anniversary celebrations of the Nagaland capital will kick off tomorrow with a track and field meet here among the four khels (group of Angami clans) of the world’s second largest village.

The event — the 56th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) meet — will mark the official inauguration of the Quasqui centennial celebration of Kohima town.

More than 200 participants are expected to compete till January 9 in several contests, especially traditional Naga wrestling.

A well-prepared brown track has been laid out for the athletics events at the Khuochiezie, popularly known as the local ground here. “It is the biggest athletics event for us,” said Menuovilie, convenor of the KVSA.

State urban development and planning minister S. Liezietsu, who hails from Kohima village, said: “The KVSA theme song gives a good idea about the composition of the village of 30,000 people. It even describes the khels and the colour of their uniforms or jerseys. Music arrangement at the ground is elaborate and success is assured.”

The celebrations will officially begin with chief minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurating a monolith in the morning at the site of the proposed Quasqui Centennial Plaza, where the Kohima Town Committee office once stood. The plaza was part of the government’s beautification plan of the town.

The government has constituted the Quesqui centennial celebration committee with the finance commissioner as its chairman for the smooth conduct of the festivities.

The committee has planned to organise at least one major programme every month throughout the year, coinciding with the tribal festivals during the sowing and harvesting seasons.

However, sports meets and music concerts would get top priority to bring in the crowds.

The government has earmarked Rs 20 crore to beautify the town over the next two years, sources said.