From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, May 8: The two-day Niangtaser Festival got under way on Friday at Iewsier in Ri-Bhoi district.
Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun inaugurated the festival, organised by the Ri Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Development Forum (RBTEDF) in collaboration with the shnong of Saiden.
Heavy rainfall affected the movement of visitors and vendors at the venue, but the event continued smoothly.
Niangtaser (Chremistica ribhoi), popularly referred to as the “World Cup insect”, emerges only once every four years, usually at night and during the year when the FIFA World Cup is held. The insect is considered edible and believed to possess several nutritional and health benefits, according to researchers.
In his address, Sohtun said the festival is unique, as it is celebrated only once every four years. He urged people to preserve forests and the environment, stating that the insect thrives in areas with abundant trees and dense forest cover.
Also speaking, Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh expressed happiness at being part of the festival. He suggested that when the insect reappears in 2030, efforts should be made to avoid capturing it and instead, allow it to complete its life cycle naturally.
Retired NEHU professor Prof HJ Syiemlieh, USTM faculty member Dr Rodeson Thangkhiew, RBTEDF president Plielad Tiewsoh and Saiden Rangbah Shnong Evansis Jones Myrthong also attended the event.
Elaborating on the significance of the Niangtaser, Prof Syiemlieh and Dr Thangkhiew said the insect belongs to the cicada family and is considered both rare and fascinating due to its emergence only once every four years.
They explained that the insect remains underground for nearly three to four years, progressing through different stages before emerging as an adult insect. After surfacing, it survives for only about a month before disappearing again.
