Lotha community and various Lotha organisations across the state celebrated the Tokhu Emong, post-harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas on Monday with pomp and gaiety.
Wokha: Imkong L Imchen, MLA graced the Tokhu Emong festival organised by Lotha Hoho at local ground Wokha as the special guest. Speaking at the programme, Imchen lauded the Lotha community for contributing towards the Naga movement.
He also said that through the initiative of Lotha Tribal Council (LTC), Naga convention confederation of all tribes hosted the first Naga convention in Wokha. He said that the Lotha community envisioned for a collective Nagas as one and for having one general platform called Nagas of Nagaland where Naga Hoho came into being.
Imchen lamented that despite its effort in bringing Nagas of Nagaland together through the initiative of the Lotha Hoho, now the Naga Hoho has narrowed down in due course of time with various association and divisions among the Naga tribes. He opined that now the Lotha Hoho, the brain child in formation of one platform has been out of the Naga Hoho, stating that the original mandate of the Nagas Hoho has been diluted. He therefore called upon the Lotha Hoho to study and push forward in restructuring what they have begun so that Nagas of Nagaland will have one common platform.
Meanwhile, Imchen maintained that the newly formed Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) is a naturally formed organization when all other tribes have their own organizations. He went on to state that the three tribes were lacking behind in terms of development and infrastructures with bad roads while the three tribes have committed no wrong and have no plans to go against anybody, yet the three tribes are left in such juncture.
He wished the Lotha community prosperity through the celebration of Tokhu Emong-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival and to rejuvenate the goodness of Lotha community so as they continue to contribute towards the Naga society in general.
The celebration witnesses traditional dance and folk song by WATSU Telongjem Wokha, Wokha Town Phiro cultural organization and Niroyo Epoe Eramoe Okho, while choir of Wokha Town Baptist Church presented Tokhu song on the occasion.
Earlier in the programme, advisor Lotha Hoho, Wopemo Tsopoe shared on the history and the practices of Lotha ancestors on how and why the community celebrated Tokhu Emong festival.
The day event ended with tug-of-war competition where Zuvotong Colony emerged as the champions.
The three-day long programme and five days Tokhu Night Carnival culminated with executive engineer (R&B), Wokha, Er. Mhathung Kikon gracing the occasion as the valedictory guest where the music event curtained down the annual Mini-Hornbill event.
Kohima Lotha Hoho: Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) celebrated Tokhu Emong with much fan and fervour at the main arena of Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Monday.
Special guest, Khyomo Lotha, during the celebration, said people should thank the forefathers who had initiated the celebration of the festival, protected and preserved the tradition of the Lothas which had been passed on.
He said the post-harvest festival, Tokhu Emong, teaches about work culture and also a time to celebrate the bountiful harvest. Khyomo pointed out that it was also a time of forgiveness, love and oneness. In this regard he appealed the churches under Wokha district to forgive in the spirit of oneness.
He urged the gathering to take part in the clean election campaign and also not to corrupt the society because of ensuing State general elections. “The spirit of Tokhu Emong should not be just one time celebration but the spirit must live on,” he said.
Guest of honour, Wonthungo Tsopoe in his speech thanked KLH for bringing Lothas together by organizing the Tokhu Emong. He strongly urged that Lothas must know the root so that future generations would understand the culture and traditions of the tribe.
He suggested that educational institutions within or outside the state should organise cultural events in order to protect the culture. He also advised the children not to misuse the attires instead, strive to protect, promote, preserve the culture and traditions. He urged the gathering to be respectful to the leaders, elders so that society would prosper.
Earlier the programme was chaired by Dr. Mhonthung Yanthan and Dr. Caroline Erüi, invocation was pronounced by Kohima Lotha Baptist Church senior pastor, Rev Dr K Benry Lotha.
KLH chairman, C Pankathung Lotha delivered the welcome address while St Francis de Sales church, Kohima Town, Parish priest, Rev Fr Mhabemo Matthew said the dedicatory prayer.
While Faith Harvest Church pastor, Rev Shan Kikon offered the festival blessings. Welcome song was performed by Lotha Eloe Ekhüng. The celebration was marked by cultural songs, dances and traditional attire competition for the kids. New secretariat colony emerged as the winner in the final tussle against Agri-Forest colony. (Correspondent)
LUC: Lotha Union Chumoukedima (LUC) celebrated the 52nd Tokhu Emong at public ground, Chumoukedima on Monday. It was also the first Tokhu Emong celebration after Chumoukedima was granted district.
The celebration was graced by Naga Council Dimapur president, Etsungmomo Kikon, as special guest. Addressing the gathering, Kikon called for indebt research on traditional practice and culture so that unregulated use of cultural designs and symbols were averted. He said many of the Naga dances, songs, dresses, etc have been promoted and even reached international level. However, while promoting culture, the originality or origin should be preserved, he added.
Kikon also said that most of the youngsters were not aware on the symbolic meaning of the traditional attire and who were entitled to wear. He therefore, said it was everyone responsibility to go through indebt study and passed it to the younger generation.
On the occasion, the significant meaning of Tokhu Emong was shared by retired IPS, Zanbemo Lotha. Competitions on traditional games, cooking, tug of war between the wards, folk songs, etc were the highlights of the celebration. Apart from men and women, children also took part in the competition.
Lotha Hoho Karbi Anglong: Lotha Hoho Karbi Anglong (LHKA) celebrated the Lotha premier festival at Borlengri, BLSA ground.
The 21st Tokhü Emong, two-day celebration programme was attended by over hundred wearing their colourful traditional attire.
Extending Tokhu Emong greetings, special guest, deputy speaker Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Numal Momin reminded that the post-harvest marked the blessings of the hard-labour toil throughout the year. Expressing delight in being part of the colourful and gaiety celebration, Momin said he was impressed by the participation of the youth on folk dances and songs in an energetic and enthusiast manner.
On his contribution towards the welfare of the society, Momim mentioned that he was attached with the border areas to develop his constituency which covers an area of 2800 sq. km, that has been developing annually which was not sufficient, but said he has been trying to deliver the best possibilities. In this, Momin said “For any developmental progress, we all need to come together with peace and communal harmony”. He further encouraged the gathering to rekindle the bond of brotherhood and oneness.
Momin also spoke on the on negative impacts of drugs abuse and stressed on the need for public awareness. He encouraged the youths not to indulge in such substance abuse, but to be cautious of their lifestyle, be obedient, to work hard, to manage time and be focussed.
The deputy speaker assured to take note of the deteriorated road condition of Borlengri which has been creating inconvenience for the residents, next year. Momin also assured to renovate the Borlengri, BLSA ground through MLA fund and assured to give 5 lakhs for the renovation. Furthermore, Momin called upon the gathering to bring forward any suggestion so that together they will work for the welfare of the society. He further assured that if need arise, he will even speak to the Nagaland state government.
On the inaugural day, various competitions were organized such as extempore speech, essay, quiz competition and indigenous games. Certificates and cash prize were given away on the commencing day.
Highlights of the programme included traditional folk dances and songs. Significance of the day was shared by LHKA former president Robin Kikon, invocation prayer was proposed by UBC Choto Lengri pastor Lumtsuo Ezung, welcome address was delivered by LHKA pastor Ren Jami, Tokhü blessing prayer was proposed by Bor Lengri Lotha Baptist Church, pastor Rev Arhonthung Odyuo.
Later, vote of thanks was delivered by LHKA general secretary Chonbenthung Ovung and benediction was proposed by BLLBC associate pastor Mhonchumo Tungu which was followed by Tokhü feast. (Staff Reporter)
Lotha Community Diphupar: Lotha Community Diphupar (LCD) celebrated Tokhu Emong, the premier festival of the Lothas in a befitting manner at Kirha ground, Airport Road Diphupar.
People from all walks of life, both young and old clad in colourful traditional attires enjoyed the Tokhu Emong festival with fun and fervour.
In the programme, the Constitution of Lotha Community Diphupar was officially launched by Jailor, Central Jail Diphupar, Dr. Oben Yanthan while DPRO Dimapur, Lolano Patton and director H&T Education (retd) on behalf of Lotha Community Diphupar honoured the 12 achievers who successfully got through different competitive exams both Central and State services during 2021 to 2022.
Tokhu songs were presented by Longaro Okhyupvui, Orenbomo Tsopoe, Venronty Yanthan and Gladys Kato Chishi. Lotha Senthan Mungyanta Cultural Club Diphupar presented colourful traditional dance.
Various speakers spoke on the significance of Tokhu Emong stating it as the post-harvest festival marked by merry making, renewing and strengthening bond of friendship and festival of forgiveness.
On the occasion, LCD also acknowledged the oldest living male and female from Lotha community (Diphupar community)
Welcome address was delivered by chairman LCD, Zubenthung Patton while general secretary LCD gave the finance report.
Pastor Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar, Rev. Limhathung Lotha invoked God’s blessings while vice chairman LCD, Tsumongo Odyuo proposed the vote of thanks. Catechist, Samuel Yanthan said the benediction while women leader LBC Diphupar blessed and prayed for the Tokhu feast.
Other highlights of the programme included traditional games and sports, yarn spinning competition, cock fight, lottery draw and many more fun games initiated by Lotha Students Union Diphupar.
LUPBED: Lotha Union Purana Bazar East Dimapur (LUPBED) celebrated its 28th Tokhu Emong at Purana Bazar B Village ground, with principal Golden Crown Theological College Dimapur, Rev Dr Nzan Odyuo as speaker. Highlights of the programme included cultural folk song competition, cultural dance, cultural show and cultural games.
Okotso: Okotso villagers celebrated Tokhu Emong at a grant programme with all gaeity, warmth and thanks giving to God almighty at Pansosi venue. The proogramme was chaired by the chairman, Okotso Village Council, Thechamo Ngullie. The significance of its celebration was narrated by DB (retd), M. Ntsemo and Tokhu host, T.L. Merry, exhorted organizers and villagers.
Earlier, invocation was pronounced by pastor Okotso Baptist Church, Rev. OY Ngullie, vote of thanks delivered by Nzamo Murry and benediction by pastor Okotso AG Church, Rev Zuchamo Shitiri. Tokhu Feast blessing, grace and thanks offered by Chumbenthung Ngullie.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026