A Concept Note of Makuiluangdi Festival 2025

Malanwangbo: Roots and Horizons

The Luangdimai people, like many other indigenous communities across the world, possess a multifaceted heritage, history, and tradition of leadership. Their cultural legacy is expressed through folk songs, folk dances, folk tales, proverbs, and ritualistic prayer forms—living traditions that connect humanity with nature and sustain communal life across generations. Equally vital are the democratic traditions of the village council, where decisions are made through dialogue, consensus, and shared responsibility. These practices are both artistic and political expressions, forming a holistic cultural system in which music, storytelling, and governance intertwine to preserve harmony, identity, and continuity.

Throughout their history, visionary leaders such as Nguiba, Asa, Gairemnang, Jadonang, and Rani Gaidinliu have led with wisdom, courage, and sacrifice, guiding their people through times of transition and struggle. Mensarung, the simpleton, reminds the community of the power of humility and learning; by comparing foolish actions to those of Mensarung, people create space for reflection, understanding, and generosity of spirit. Their collective leadership continues to inspire new generations to safeguard their heritage and identity while adapting to the changing demands of modern life.

For the Luangdimai, their traditions, languages, and sustainable ways of living are not only essential to their cultural identity and survival but also provide enduring lessons for the wider world—especially in an age of climate uncertainty, ecological decline, and social fragmentation. They exemplify living in harmony with nature, practicing community-led governance, and building resilience grounded in spiritual and cultural values. Yet, like many indigenous peoples today, the Luangdimai face pressing challenges. Internal divisions, fragmented identities, and socio-political marginalisation have weakened their collective strength. Despite their deep ancestral wisdom, their voices often go unheard in broader discussions on development, governance, and global sustainability. This gap between cultural heritage and modern challenges makes the need for dialogue, unity, and vision more crucial than ever.

Malanwangbo seeks to address these challenges by creating a platform where the past, present, and future converge. It is an endeavour to honour the past by celebrating heritage, history, and memory—through activities such as the Trail Run from Makhel to Makuiluangdi via Nguangphungning to commemorate the Naga dispersal from Makhel and the erection of Nguiba Tusom; to recognise the present by showcasing indigenous leadership and sustainable practices; and to envision the future by inspiring unity, resilience, and innovation among younger generations through the Luangdimai Hetua. Through this festival, the people of Luangdimai reaffirm their cultural pride and position their heritage within broader discussions of sustainability, leadership, and identity, offering valuable insights for both indigenous and global communities.

7 upcoming ethnic festivals in India worth attending

Makuiluangdi Festival – Manipur

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.