KHONSA, Feb 12: The 15th Ollo Worang Juku Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety in Tirap district’s Lazu, near the Indo-Myanmar border.
ZPM Lazu block Najen Rangwang read out the mythology of the festival. He stated that Worang Juku is celebrated annually in various parts of Tirap and Changlang districts, as well as in neighbouring Myanmar, usually during April and May when agricultural activities slow down and the community turns to thanksgiving and renewal. He explained that the word ‘Worang’ is derived from ‘Wo’, meaning Hornbill, and ‘Raang’, meaning to adorn. He elaborately described the significance and cultural importance of the festival.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, ZPC Tirap John K K Matey stated that festivals promote love, peace, unity, and happiness among communities. He urged the people to safeguard and preserve their rich cultural heritage for future generations. He strongly appealed to the Ollo community to shun opium cultivation and instead adopt sustainable cash crop cultivation with support from Agriculture and allied departments.
In this go, he assured that Panchayat leaders would initiate consultations with the District Administration and line departments to promote alternative livelihood options.
The ZPC further stated that he would initiate the proposal for blacktopping the road from Lazu town to Lazu general ground by 2027 in consultation with the concerned department. He also conveyed Worang greetings, on behalf of Borduria-Bogapani MLA-cum-Paramount Chief of Borduria, Wanglin Lowangdong, and appreciated the traditional dance troupes from seven villages, including the mega dance troupe for their splendid performances.
ADC Khonsa Namneet Singh said that Ollo Worang is not merely a festival but a celebration of history, resilience, and identity preserved through generations. He remarked that the songs carry the voices of ancestors, and the dances narrate stories of courage and unity. He emphasized that culture is not merely written in books but is lived, practised, and passed on.
He further highlighted the need to address challenges such as gaps in education and drug addiction, which affect individuals, families, and society at large. He stated that education is not limited to schools and textbooks but is about empowerment. When children receive quality education and youth gain knowledge and skills, society becomes stronger. He urged the community to ensure that every child attends school regularly and aspires to achieve greater heights. He also appealed to the people to refrain from opium cultivation and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
The celebration commenced with a welcome address by Wangnen Lampa, general secretary of the 15th Ollo Worang Juku Celebration Committee.
The day-long celebration featured vibrant folk dance performances by cultural troupes from various villages. (DIPRO)