The recently inaugurated Flower Festival at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima, Nagaland, has brought together the community in celebration of faith, beauty, and the environment. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Sì, the festival aims to foster a deeper connection between spirituality, nature, and sustainability. The event, which runs until December 8, aligns with the 25th Hornbill Festival, a celebration of Nagaland’s cultural diversity, and is expected to attract visitors from across the region.
A Sacred Festival with a Sustainable Message
Held at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, a recently designated national pilgrimage centre by the Indian government, the Flower Festival is designed to honour God through the beauty of His creation. Under the theme ‘Worshipping the Lord in Beauty’, the festival showcases a variety of activities focused on the intersection of faith and nature. The event features flower exhibitions, horticulture learning sessions, and guided tours that explore the cathedral’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.
For the residents of Kohima, the Flower Festival is a unique opportunity to connect with both their faith and the natural world. Through this initiative, the cathedral aims to inspire visitors to reflect on the beauty and spirituality of nature while promoting sustainable gardening practices.
Fr Vemedo Kezo, the parish priest of Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, explained that the festival had been in the works for almost a year, driven by a shared enthusiasm from the community. “Thanks to the enthusiasm of the faithful, we managed to organise this event,” he told AsiaNews. The festival not only serves as a religious observance but also provides educational opportunities that encourage participants to appreciate the importance of environmental conservation.
Honoring Faith and Beauty with Sustainable Practices
A key aspect of the festival’s message is sustainability. Following the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Sì”, which calls for greater attention to the care of the environment, the Diocese of Kohima has been working to incorporate these principles into everyday life. One major change has been a shift away from plastic flowers in church decorations. Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima explained to AsiaNews that he had instructed the diocese to move away from using plastic flowers in churches and instead promote the use of fresh, natural flowers.
“Since the publication of Laudato Sì, the diocese has been supporting its implementation in practical life,” said Bishop Thoppil. “As a bishop, I asked that we no longer use bouquets made of plastic flowers in the churches, but always use natural flowers and encourage organic farming.” The festival is a culmination of this effort, with the women of the cathedral taking special care to maintain the campus with fresh flowers and plants.
This commitment to natural beauty has not only enhanced the aesthetic of the cathedral but also promoted sustainability within the community. The flower festival serves as a platform to demonstrate the importance of organic farming and the role that women in the community play in cultivating and maintaining these natural spaces.
Government Support and Cultural Significance
The event has garnered support from local authorities, including Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the Minister for Women’s Resource Development and Horticulture in Nagaland. Describing the festival as a celebration of “faith, beauty, and community,” Kruse expressed his support for the initiative and underscored its cultural significance. “This festival is not just about floral art,” Kruse said. “It is a testament to the deep faith we have in the transformative beauty of God-given nature.”
Kruse’s endorsement highlights the broader importance of the festival, which aims to bridge religious devotion with environmental consciousness. He also expressed his hope for continued collaboration between various departments to enhance the cathedral’s status and support its ongoing efforts in preserving and promoting sustainable practices.
The local government’s participation reflects a growing recognition of the role that faith-based initiatives can play in promoting environmental conservation and tourism. The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is poised to become a hub for eco-tourism, with the flower festival serving as a primary event that highlights both the spiritual and natural beauty of Nagaland.
Attracting Tourists and Educating the Community
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the Flower Festival also seeks to increase local tourism. As one of the most important spiritual centres in the state, the cathedral is aiming to draw visitors who are not only interested in the religious aspects but also in learning more about sustainable gardening practices and the region’s rich natural heritage.
The festival is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, with many visitors arriving to witness the flower exhibitions and participate in workshops and guided tours. These activities serve as an opportunity to educate both locals and tourists on the importance of preserving nature, encouraging the use of organic farming and sustainable gardening techniques. It also reinforces the message of the Catholic Church’s commitment to the environment as part of its broader mission of promoting holistic well-being.
Through these efforts, the cathedral hopes to contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development in Nagaland, ensuring that future generations will inherit a rich natural environment that is respected and cared for.
A Shared Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
The Flower Festival at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is a testament to the growing commitment of the Church in Kohima to integrate faith with environmental stewardship. The diocese’s efforts to phase out plastic flowers and promote the use of natural flowers underscore the broader message of Laudato Sì, which calls for a united effort to protect and preserve the planet.
By encouraging the community to engage in sustainable farming and gardening practices, the festival not only celebrates the beauty of creation but also fosters a deeper understanding of the need to care for the environment. It highlights the role of faith communities in shaping a more sustainable future and demonstrates how religious events can be aligned with global efforts to protect nature.
In conclusion, the Kohima Flower Festival is much more than a religious observance—it is a celebration of nature, culture, and sustainability. As it continues to grow, it serves as an example of how local communities can play an active role in preserving the environment, while also finding ways to incorporate these practices into their faith and daily lives. The festival is poised to become a key event in Nagaland, attracting visitors, educating the community, and inspiring others to embrace the transformative power of nature.
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