old and young wearing their colourful costumes sing songs and perform dances to express their gratitude to the supreme power for helping the crops to grow well. They provide the best offerings to the supreme power for abundant blessings. These festivals provide opportunities to the budding generations and village stalwarts to demonstrate their intellectual skill and physical powers. A handful of young men hold the stage and tell amusing stories about their elders. Peals of laughter greet them and young & old jump in excitement. These festivals are usually rounded off by a tug of war between men and women. Stories are galore that men lose to please their womenfolk. But none has refuted the argument that attracted by the charm of their opponents, absorbed by their sweet songs and regaled by their very presence men lose gracefully. The only defense offered is that men have to pull uphill and the women downhill. Whatever the spirit behind this sport it is a treat to see and an honour to participate. The festival's meaning The principal aim of this festival is to invoke Almighty God's blessings after finishing such diverse activities: Repairs and construction of houses by elders of the Putu Menden (Village Council) Marriages in the spring season Ploughing of old and new Jhum Kheti Cleaning up the Tsubü (Water Wells) On completion of all these manifold activities celebrations of Moatsü Mong takes place. See also List of traditional Naga festivals References External links Moatsü Mong: The Festival of Ao Tribe Festivals In Nagaland: Moatsu Festivals in Nagaland May observances Mokokchung