SENAPATI, Feb 22: Leader of the NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, on Friday inaugurated the Pao Leo Day at Purul Atongba village in Senapati, under the theme “Honouring Our Common Heritage.”
The event, a major cultural celebration for the Lepaona community of the Poumai Naga tribe, saw a gathering of key dignitaries including MLA Kumo Sha, who served as the Functional President, Timikha Koza as the Guest of Honour, and Vekhosayi Nyekha, President of the Tenyimi Union, as the Special Guest.
Pao Leo Day is a significant festival celebrated by the Lepaona community of the Poumai Naga tribe in Manipur. The festival holds deep cultural and historical significance as it honors the common heritage and the memory of the forefather after whom the Lepaona came into existence. Beyond celebration, it is a time of reflection, bringing together different villages to share their shared heritage, customs, and rituals.
The term “Pao Leo” combines “Pao” meaning “grandfather” and “Leo,” the name of the community’s ancestor. Pao Leo Day honors Grandfather Leo, whose leadership guided the Lepaona community from Maikhel to Koide, eventually forming the current Lepaona Circle villages. The festival celebrates his wisdom and legacy, ensuring it is passed down through generations.
In his speech, MLA Kumo Sha praised the Lepaona community for their unity in celebrating Pao Leo Day. He expressed concern over how advancing technology could potentially diminish the traditional practice of coming together as a community, fearing that in the future, people might be less inclined to celebrate in unison. He emphasized that the present era demands intelligence and knowledge, which will lead to progress and success. Sha warned that without these qualities, unity and growth could be at risk, and called for the cultivation of intelligence and knowledge for a better society.
Addressing the event, NPF MLA Azo Nienu highlighted the significance of honoring the forefathers and the common heritage of the Naga people. He expressed his belief that Nagas could form a large and united family if they all come together. Nienu referred to the historical connection of Nagas spread across regions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar, and beyond. Despite the Nagaland State Assembly passing eight consecutive resolutions to unify all Naga-inhabited areas, Nienu noted that these efforts had not yielded tangible results.
The NPF leader further called for Nagas from Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to “voice out diplomatically” to the Government of India, making it clear that “Nagas are one and need to come under one administrative umbrella.” He expressed the view that divine intervention might be necessary to resolve the issue, as merely passing resolutions would not bring results. Nienu also asserted that if all Naga-inhabited states united, the Naga community would become the largest state in the country. He encouraged Nagas across the world, who share the common dream of unity, to continue striving for this goal of coming together under one roof and one administrative umbrella.
Pao Leo Day serves as an opportunity for the community to gather, regardless of the distance between villages, to celebrate their common history and culture. The festivities include lively ceremonies, traditional dances, music, feasts, and whooping, allowing participants to experience the Naga way of life. Each village contributes to the celebration, showcasing its unique customs and rituals, creating a beautiful fusion of Naga traditions.
