Ao Nagas perform their traditional dance at the festival in Nagaland on Monday. Picture by UB Photos

Kohima, May 2: Moatsu, a three-day post-sowing festival of Ao tribe, began yesterday.

During the festival, the Aos seek the blessings of god for a good harvest.

The celebrations begin after various activities such as repair and construction of houses by elder members of putu menden (village council), cleaning of tsubü (wells) and marriages in the spring season are completed.

During the festival, best rice-beer is made and the best breed of pigs and cows are slaughtered for the feast. People heartily participate in eating, dancing, drinking and singing warrior songs. The singers sing love songs to glorify the courage and gallantry of their heroes.

Ao men and women dress in traditional attire and the women of the community serve wine and meat.

At Chuchuyimlang village, 15km from Mokokchung, which has been identified by the state government as a destination for the Moatsu festival, celebrations are on in full swing with many foreign and domestic tourists participating.

The celebrations at Longkhum, 15km from Mokokchung, were attended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, home minister Imkong L. Imchen, several other ministers, parliamentary secretaries, legislators and state officials.

Cultural troupes, including Sumi tribe from Zunheboto and Lotha tribe from Wokha, performed at Longkhum.

During Moatsu, competitions to make the best rice-beer and rear the best animal like pig, cow or fowl are held.

Women of the village make special dresses for themselves and join in the feasting, dancing and composing and singing warrior songs. The whole tribe encourages its young warriors to be bold and heroic and defend and protect themselves from enemies.

Moatsu is also an occasion to strengthen their bonds of friendship with other Naga tribes. Delegates from neighbouring villages are invited and gifts are exchanged to establish peace and harmony.

The Aos consider their festival sacred and participation is compulsory. The predominant theme of most of the festivals is offering prayers.