The Medümneo festival which is one of the most important and premier festival of the Yimchungrü Naga was celebrated with pomp and gaiety here at Shamator town and Naga United village Dimapur on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest at Shamator, organized by Thuneo Committee Shamator Town, ADC Shamator, Wonchio Odyuo, said that, festival was celebrated to respect and honour the traditional norms which “our” forefathers had practice long ago. He lamented that with the coming of Christianity and modern era slowly the Naga culture and identity has been lost. Therefore, he urged upon every Naga citizen not to forget the real meaning of festival. He further said that, every festival has its own unique significance and also festival was celebrated for merry making and to bring peace and harmony to the neighborhood and community.
The programme was attended by Commandant 15 Assam Rifle, EAC Shamator, HoDs, town council, tribal leaders, NGOs, churches with different cultural troupes.
Earlier, the programme was moderated by associate professor Shamator College, N. Yanjila while blessing prayer was pronounced by pastor STBC, Rev. R. Thsankiu. Welcome address was delivered by secretary Thuneo Committee Z. Lashi while Jimjiba Martin highlighted the significance of Medumneo. Short speeches were also delivered by vice president YTC Tsurito and Kiuji member town council. Special number was presented by Thrunso choir master. Vote of thanks was proposed by chairman Thuneo committee A.M.Showuba and benediction offered by chaplain PBF Shophu.
YUTT: Yimchunger community of Tuensang town and displaced families of 2014 inter tribal feud came together to celebrate the premier festival of Yimchunger tribe Medumneo which was organised by Yimchunger Union Tuensang Town at the Yimchunger Baptist Church Compound Tuensang Town (YBCTT) on August 6. The occasion was graced by parliamentary secretaries, R. Tohanba as chief guest and Kejong Chang as guest of honour.
Speaking of the occasion as Tohanba said that festival was the time for joy, reconciliation, to forgive and forget any misdeeds in the past and to set new approach to move forward in every field. Kejong Chang stressed on the need to develop friendship, maintain peace and unity for overall development of the state.
The significance of Medunneo as a festival symbolising love and exchanging gifts was delivered by senior HA, DEO Tuensang, M. Bombahkiu. The festival also incorporates the post harvest festival of the millets.
During the course of the program Sangün Chimpü a traditional cotton spinning was demonstrated by Kiulola & group, folk songs by Kemifu cultural club & traditional bamboo flute was played by Tsukheamla.
The program was attended by Yimchunger Tribal council ( YTC), Chang Khulie Setsang (CKS) led by its president Nokshang Chang, ENPO vice president Kekongchim and Coni Mongko Chang , DC Alem Jongshi, SP R.V. Ezung, A. Zanbemo Ngullie, director of Municipal Affairs, Er. B Mananglemden, executive engineer PWD R&B Tuensang and Er. Toba.
The program was led by pastor youth ministry, A. Apong, invocation prayer by pastor YBCTT Rev. P. Akhum and welcome speech by president, YSUTT, W. Kushang.
YUNUV: Yimchungru Union Naga United Village Dimapur also celebrated the Medumneo festival with much zeal and splendor at its union treasurer on Monday.
Kilonser, ministry of Religious Affairs, GPRN/ NSCN, ‘Maj.’ Retd. Kewongkhum Yimchungru, stressed on the importance of preserving the culture and tradition, in order to keep it alive. He also called for peace, unity and reconciliation amongst the brethrens through the celebration of festival, he said adding, “we must be warrior in the field of religion and education”. Kewongkhum further quoted Biblical Matt. 6; 12, Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. During the celebration of the festival, Shodang club was formally approved and declared by the president Yimchungru Union Naga United Village Dimapur, Kiumehean. Invocation prayer was pronounced by pastor YBC Naga united village Shokum. A. Ato exhorted the gathering and briefed on the celebration of festival. Vote of thanks was proposed by executive chairman YUNUV Kiucham. Shodang club also presented a cultural dance on the occasion.
YUMT: In Mokokchung the festival was celebrated under the aegis of Yimchungrü Union Mokokchung Town with much pomp and gaiety, merry making, exchange of gifts and gratitude amongst the members. The program was chaired by Kiujimong, general secretary YUM while Tsüyihba president gave the welcome address and also greeted the gathering. The significance of Medümnio was elaborated by Tokiu. The program also witnessed presentation of folk dances by Yimchungrü Arihako Mokokchung and Yimchungrü Students’ Union Mokokchung. Yansomong president ENPUM exhorted the gathering. He emphasised to live in harmony with each other so also with other tribes too. The program concluded with a word of prayer by associate women pastor Asola, followed by entertainment consisting of various traditional games like top spinning competition, bamboo pole climbing etc.