Dimapur, Nagaland, February 24 (HBTV): The Angami community in Dimapur celebrated one of its biggest and most important festivals, Sekrenyi, on Saturday in Dimapur.          

A momentous festive ceremony, perhaps one of the community’s biggest events so far in Nagaland, was organized by the tribe's apex body, Angami Public Organisation at Dimapur's DDSC stadium on February 24, with support from the APO’s frontal organizations and four ranges including the northern, western, and southern and Chakhroma constituents. 

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attended the occasion as the chief guest; deputy chief ministers Yanthungo Patton and TR Zeliang were the guests of honor; PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi, advisor for Tribal Affairs H Tovihoto Ayemi; and advisor for Labour, Employment and Skill development, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer were invited to the festival as special guests.

Sekrenyi festival is celebrated in the month of February, a month called 'Kezei' in Angami dialect. The word 'Sekrenyi' comes from two words: "Sekre' meaning sanctification' and 'Nyi' means festival.      

This celebration of purification is generally observed for ten days with various rituals and ceremonies.  However, with the arrival of Christianity to Nagaland, the rituals have been discarded and celebrations are not extensive.                  

APO leaders told media persons that Sekrenyi is now celebrated with the main objective of preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of the Angami community.