Tokhü Emong – the premier post harvest festival of Lotha Nagas – was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety across Nagaland on Wednesday. Lothas across the state were joined by other tribes and communities in celebrating the festival. Following are some reports of the celebrations.
Diphupar Lotha Ekhung: 42nd Tokhü Emong festival was celebrated by Diphupar Lotha Ekhung (DNLE) on Wednesday, at Agri Expo, Diphupar, Dimapur, with great pomp and gaiety.
At the program, Reverend Dr. Ezamo Murry, sharing on the significance of the festival stated that Tokhü Emong was a post-harvest festival celebrated to observe, commemorate and acknowledge the bountiful harvest showered on the Lothas by the Almighty.
He said that during the festival, people give and seek pardon for any past difference, conflict or bitterness. It is a festival of strengthening relationships of brotherhood, families and friends and also seek forgiveness from one another for wrong doings.
The festival is about celebrating and encouraging unity not only among Lothas but everyone to promote inter-tribal harmony and collaboration.
The festival is marked with feasting, merry making, drinking, playing games, dancing traditional dances of ancestors and singing folk songs passed down through generations. Tokhü Emong plays a major role in keeping traditions and customs of the forefathers alive, he said.
The program was chaired by Chanbemo Francis Kikon and Arhoni C. Jami, invocation was pronounced by catechist infant Jesus Church chairman, Orenthung Yanthan, welcome song was presented by Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) choir i/c youth director.
A blessing prayer was pronounced by Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) pastor Limhathung, folk song was presented by Tselamo Ezung, vote of thanks was delivered by Lotha Community Diphupar general secretary E. Zuben Patton and benediction prayer was pronounced by LBCD associate pastor Yimtsu Yanthan. Ululating competition, inter-colony tug of war, various games and sports and a Lotha traditional attire competition, were among the highlights of the program. The program was followed by a Tokhü feast.
Burma Camp Lotha Ekhung: Burma Camp Lotha Ekhung (BCLE) celebrated the festival at Holy Child School Ground in Dimapur.
At the program, the significance of the festival was shared by retired director health and family welfare, Dr. Tsenthungo Patton.
Speaking at the program as special guest, former MP, Khyomo Lotha said that the festival was about sharing love with one another, the goodness of reconciliation and burying hatchets between friends or foes.
He also shared about peace and harmony in the state and encouraged the people to continue to pray for it.
The program was chaired by BCLE Tokhü Erhumpvui convenor Yanbothung Kikon, invocation prayer was pronounced by LBCA executive secretary, Reverend Dr. E. Nrio Ezung, welcome address was delivered by BCLE treasurer, N Humtsoe and a special number was presented by Elizabeth Murry and group.
Later, a vote of thanks was delivered by BCLE finance secretary Y. Merithung Jami.
Highlights of the program included tug of war competitions, musical chairs, and a bamboo pole climbing competition, all of which saw active participation of all age groups.
The program was followed by a Tokhü feast.
Moilan Village Whabong Taro: Moilan Village Whabong Taro (MVWT) Bosti, Karbi Anglong, also celebrated Tokhü Emong on Wednesday.
At the program, a blessing prayer was offered by elder Janbemo Humtsoe who also shared a speech on the significance of the festival. A special Tokhü song was presented by Yantsathung Ovung.
The program was chaired by Rhonthungo Ovung, invocation prayer was pronounced by ex-deacon Rhanlamo, Tokhü Emong welcome song was presented by Mhonroni.
The program ended with a mass prayer followed by a Tokhü feast.
NRLE Kohima: New Reserve Lotha Ekhung (NRLE), Kohima celebrated Tokhü Emong clad in colourful traditional attires and costumes at the residence of the ADGP (L&O), R.P Kikon on November 7.
According to DIPR, four groups were formed and each group leader and members expressed their views on the meaning of Tokhü Emong, identity, hope and how to preserve the vibrant culture and tradition. Significance of Tokhü Emong was read out by Mhathung Ngullie.
R. P Kikon encouraged the new team for the year 2019-21, who were dedicated by PUBC deacon Yanpamo Tsopoe.
A women group presented folk songs and other entertainment items included a balloon fight among the children. A special song was also presented by the youth pastor Lotha A.G Church Kohima, Renbi Kikon and Zuchobeni Tungoe. Pastor PUBC, along with full time church workers also joined the celebrations. The program was chaired by NRLE chairman Nino Yanthan while vote of thanks was pronounced by general secretary Mhathung Ngullie. (DIPR)