(EXCLUSIVE) KIPHIRE TOWN SANGTAM’S CELEBRATES MONGMONG: Along with the rest of the Sangtam Tribe inhabited in various places and regions, the Sangtam’s of Kiphire town celebrated one of the biggest festival called MONGMONG from 1^st to 6^th September 2011.

Kiphire today the 3rd of September 2011 witnessed a new bond of friendship and relation with communities irrespective of tribes living in Kiphire. Joining the Sangtam in celebration of Mongmong which was organised by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) at Kiphire town with the Deputy Commissioner Shri. Tribidesh Roy graced the function as the chief guest.

Greeting the citizens of Kiphire and the Sangtam in particular the DC while saying that “Festival is the time for merry making at the same time uniting old friendship and forging new relationship” he asked the Sangtam to let Mongmong take new dimension in fostering all those to renewed the lost bond. He also said that Mongmong which is celebrated since time immemorial for good harvest has taken a new dimension as more emphasis has been given to bring unity and peace. “Let the Mongmong celebration not only keeping the culture and tradition alive but let it be a time to bring unity among family and friends,” the DC further added. Expressing his joy with the Sangtam the DC also called upon the Sangtam to extent the spirit of love, peace and friendship to other communities so that the celebration become more significant and meaningful. Sepithong Ex-PA to DC who also spoke on the occasion said that there are more than 20 festival in Sangtam tradition of which Mongmong is one of the most important and during this festive time new Jhum fields are distributed exchange of vow and engagement is also done during this period. He also called upon the youngster to know one’s culture and tradition well so that blessing comes to all and added, “if you misinterpret the culture and tradition as per your continent it will bring curse.” RL Akamba Ex MLA shared on the significant of Mongmong festival while Kiritong, Executive Chairman USSC, Lutoli President AST, and Tsapikyu also greeted the gathering. Yangkhaba Vice President USLP welcomed the gathering and greeted the people on the occasion. Folk song by Singti Area, Longmatra Area, Millet harvesting show by Amahator area and paddy sowing by Langkok Union and Kiphire village were the highlight of the function. Tug of war, fire making, folk dance and Arrow shooting competition were the highlight of the cultural programme. Thousands of people came to witness the Mongmong festival.