Around 5,000 Naga Konyak women dance to set a new world record

Mon Town (Nagaland) [India], Apr 7 (ANI): In an attempt to set a new Guinness World Records in the category of ‘largest traditional Konyak dance display,’ around 5,000 Konyak community women, all decked up in colourful traditional attire, danced to the tune of a ceremonial song here on Friday, coinciding with the Aoleang festival.
The theme of this year’s Aoleang, also called Mini Hornbill festival, was ‘Empowering women for cultural heritage.’ The event was organised by the Konyak Union in coordination with Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) and Konyak Students’ Union (KSU).
"Aoleang being the biggest festival of Konyak tribe, it is celebrated for 3 main reasons- first, after every crop is cultivated; we celebrate this festival to ask God for a blessing. Secondly, we remember our lost souls and finally, for the daughters who have gone away from their own homes to start a new family. The meaning of "Aoleang" refers to our traditional attires that have been woven by our own people. Thus, the festival is celebrated to also showcase them," said Lomei Konyak President Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong  (KNSK). 
Eastern Naga Women’s Organisation (ENWO) president Ayong Chang said: “Empowering women for the cultural heritage has rich dividends as women play an important and crucial role in maintaining social, economic, and cultural health of the community.”
N Neshe Bongkhao, special guest on the occasion, urged the women to face the challenges in life with confidence, choose the battles with wisdom and never forget the power that women hold to transform the society.
"This is the first time in the history of Mon, so we are enjoying this. And we hope that will have a great time here," said a vistor. 
Thousands of people from all walks of life, including foreign tourists, senior government officials, Konyak legislators and villagers from surrounding areas thronged to witness the thrilling record-breaking dance performance by Konyak women. (ANI)