Lui Ngai Ni in Manipur

Lui Ngai Ni is the annual seed-sowing festival of the Naga tribes in Manipur, marking the beginning of the agricultural season and a new year. Celebrated by numerous Naga communities, it is a cultural and spiritual event to honor crop deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and well-being. The main state-level celebration rotates each year among the Naga-inhabited district headquarters of Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati, and Chandel. This festival unites diverse Naga tribes through shared rituals, traditional performances, and cultural exchange, making it particularly appealing to those interested in indigenous traditions, folk arts, and community celebrations. Recognized as a state holiday since 1988, it serves as a significant platform for preserving and showcasing Naga identity and heritage in Manipur.