Tsungkamneo celebrated in Dimapur
Yimchunger Union Dimapur celebrated Tsungkamneo festival here at DDSC Stadium on January 16.
Speaking at the festival as the special guest, DC Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol stated that the Nagas should be preservers, conservers and protectors of their cultural ethnicity and mother tongues. He added that they should retain the good old values of their culture.
Kevekha also challenged youngsters stating that they were living in a competitive world and encouraged them to try and compete with the best, so as to achieve the best.
Guest of honour, director NEC, Energy Pvt. Ltd, Sapu Bhattacharyya in his speech, encouraged the gathering to live in unity. He stated that Tsungkamneo festival was a festival of peace and reconciliation and he hoped that all Nagas could come together and live as one.
Special invitees, Western Sumi Hoho judicial secretary, Hekhevi Achumi and Naga Council Dimapur president, T. Bangerloba Lkr., in their speeches said that Nagas were slowly losing their unity. Achumi encouraged the gathering to preserve mother tongues and live in harmony. Bangerloba, in his speech, said the Nagas would never achieve a solution until they were united.
Short speeches were given by YTC vice president, Kiumuhean and former MLA, R. Tohanba. R. Shitopong spoke about the significane of the festival and Lily presented a special song.
The program was compeered by Apong Janger and Tsuyimla Ramji and invocation was offered by YBCD pastor, Athsan. Cultural songs and dances were performed by Tsunrun Cultural Club Dimapur and Khungriso Cultural Troupe.
Traditional costumes in modern styles were also presented with T. Hikila as incharge.
A vote of thanks was delivered by YUD president, Albinus Atsumong and benediction was offered by YBCD Church clerk, Asangba.
Mimkut Festival celebrated in Ahthibung
DIMAPUR: Day one of the 8th State Level Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival was held on January 15 at Ahthibung Town, Peren with advisor for Water Resources, Namri Nchang as the inaugural function special guest.
According to DIPR and an official press release, in his address, he reminded the gathering that Mimkut (post-harvest festival) celebrated every year in the month of January was celebrated to thank and praise God for rich harvests showered upon the Kuki community.
He pointed out that the state government had given due importance to tribal festivals to showcase traditions, customs and cultures.
Nchang added that today the people were living in a global village but even if they may be well equipped with wisdom and technology, if they live without traditions, customs and cultures, they lose their identity.
On the second day (January 16), advisor Tourism, Art & Culture, H. Khehovi Yepthomi, in his address as the special guest said that differences were slowly creating a barrier among the Naga brethren which he said, could only be remedied by spreading the message of love and the spirit of brotherhood.
Khehovi also lamented that Naga people were in critical condition in all social spheres, and pointed out that this was due to lack of a brotherhood spirit, hatred and selfishness.
While speaking on the efforts of the government of Nagaland to bring changes to Naga society, Khehovi opined that a few elected representatives alone could not bring the desired holistic change unless the whole of Naga society extended its helping hand.
He asked the Kuki people to identify heritage sites and try to promote their own culture and tradition. The advisor lamented that Naga culture was on the verge of extinction due to the Naga nature of assimilating western life styles in place of its own culture, tradition and language.
He appealed to the Kuki people to preserve their own tradition and culture and show the world that Kukis were second to none.
Earlier, the advisor unveiled the statue of Pu Lengjang Kuki and inaugurated the Late Lengjang Kuki Memorial Park at the entrance of Ahthibung Town near Forest Gate.
Kuki INPI president L.L Kuki released the biography of Lt. Lengjang Kuki. Highlights of the day’s program were presentation of Cultural dances by Chakhro Cultural Troupe, Western Sumi Cultural Troupe, Zeliang Cultural Troupe from Tening, Peren and Kuki Cultural troupes.
Thepfulhouvi Solo, IFS (Retired) & principal secretary, Forest, also spoke on the occasion. S. Tainiu, DC Peren, chairman, Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival Organizing Committee chaired the function.