The Kingniu Millet Festival 2025 was held on September 24, 2025, at the Kingniu Heritage Center, Noklak District, under the theme “Sowing Tradition, Harvesting the Future.” The celebration highlighted millet as both a heritage grain and a climate-resilient crop, while unveiling the vision of Indigenous Urbanization — a model for sustainable and community-led development.

The festival was graced by Hon’ble MLA Shri Bunei M. Lamthiu as Chief Guest, Shri P. Mono Khiamniungan, Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, as Guest of Honour, and Prof. Dr. Darlando Khathing, Pro-Chancellor of NECU, among others. Partners from NABARD, ECHO Asia, and the Office of Emergent Practices also joined the celebration.

During the event, Rev. Dingshungngamang Kamei, Executive Director of Chingthur Foundation, reflected on the Foundation’s journey since 2019 and urged the community to rediscover its strengths through millet, weaving, and stewardship of the land. “The Millet Festival is not just about food—it is about life, identity, and the future,” he said.

Highlights included the launch of the Indigenous Urbanization Roadmap by the Deputy Commissioner, a seed-exchange ceremony led by Rev. Dr. Narong Tongsuk of ECHO Asia Foundation, and awards to top millet farmers from Kingniu, Pathso, Pathso Neking, and Ekhao villages.

The day concluded with cultural performances, symbolic tree planting, and words of appreciation from Mrs. Akeina Gonmei, Chairperson of Chingthur Foundation. The festival reaffirmed the collective resolve to revive tradition, strengthen resilience, and build a clean, green, and self-reliant future for Kingniu and beyond.