A Concept Note of Makuiluangdi Festival 2025

Malanwangbo: Roots and Horizons

Celebrating Heritage, Building Futures

The Luangdimai people, like many other indigenous communities across the world, embody a tapestry of heritage, history, and leadership. Their cultural wealth is preserved and expressed through the collective rhythms of folksong, the grace of folkdance, and the wisdom of folktales, a tradition that binds humanity with nature and sustain community life across generations. Equally significant are the democratic traditions of the village council, where decisions are made through dialogue, consensus, and collective responsibility. Together, these practices represent not just artistic or political forms, but a holistic cultural system where music, story, and governance intertwine to preserve harmony, identity, and continuity.

Across their historical journey, visionaries such as Nguiba, Asa, Mensarung, Gairemnang, Jadonang, and Rani Gaidinliu blazed a trail of courage and sacrifice, offering guidance to their people in times of transition and struggle. Their leadership continues to inspire new generations to hold fast to their heritage and identity while adapting to the demands of changing times.

The traditions, languages, and sustainable ways of living of the Luangdimai are not only central to their cultural identity but also hold enduring lessons for the wider world, especially in the era of climate uncertainty, ecological degradation, and social fragmentation. They embody models of coexistence with nature, community-driven governance, and resilience rooted in spiritual and cultural values.

Yet, like many indigenous peoples today, the Luangdimai face pressing challenges. Local divisions, fragmented identities, and socio-political marginalization have weakened their collective strength. Despite holding profound ancestral wisdom, their voices often remain muted in broader discussions of development, governance, and global sustainability. This tension between cultural pride and contemporary struggles opens the need for dialogue, unity, and vision more urgent than ever.

Malanwangbo seeks to respond to these challenges within the community. It aims to create a platform where past, present, and future converge: It is an endeavour about: honouring the past by celebrating heritage, history, and memory; recognising the present by showcasing indigenous leadership and sustainable practices; and envisioning the future by inspiring unity, resilience, and innovation among younger generations. Through the festival Luangdimai people seek to reaffirm the cultural pride of the people, but also situate their heritage within wider discourses of sustainability, leadership, and identity, offering valuable insights for the indigenous and global communities.

Visit to Nguangphungning
-The LCF Team, led by Dr. Pounjenlung along with 3 other members, will visit Nguangphungning on 27th July 2025

Crossing senapati

At Nguangphungning: Vehicle stalled.