Moatsu celebrated in Ao-inhabited villages

Promoted as a destination festival by departments of tourism and culture in its calendar of events to lure visitors, the Moatsu was celebrated with traditional gaiety in Chuchuimlang village, turning into a single platform of displaying diverse Naga ethnic culture.

Annually celebrated by the Ao community, the Moatsu is also an occasion to cement bond of friendship with neighbouring villages and other Naga tribes.

Besides participation of cultural troupes from Chang, Sangtam and Konyak Naga tribes, a Bihu dance group from neighboring Assam also took part in the festival

The Moatsu is celebrated in the first week of May to seek blessing from Lijaba or the Almighty after the sowing of seeds to have a bumper harvest and foster goodwill among villagers.

Dance, music and community feast are part of celebrations. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who along with a host of ministers and officials attended the festival, called upon the people to work for peace and unity and preserve their unique cultural heritage.

Surrounded by a sylvan landscape of hills and valleys, the village authorities set up a small museum at Chuchuimlan where noted Sarvodaya worker Natwar Thakkar set up the Gandhi Ashram in 1957 to spread the message of peace and non-violence among the Nagas.