The Khonoma Semo-Chalieutsumia Kharu, a traditional Naga gate, was unveiled on Saturday at Khurükha, Khonoma under Kohima district.
The gate was unveiled by Rev. Dr. Sanyü Iralu. The Kharu of Chalieutsumia was constructed and has been in existence since the inception of Khonoma village.
Then its periodic reconstruction was continued and one of such reconstruction took place on April 28, 1948 and also being reconstructed again on November 16, 2024.
Speaking at the occasion, Rev. Dr. Iralu said the gate holds great significance in the village because it protected the people from the external forces, against enemies, internally from disunity and disharmony, as people who broke the law were sent out.
A village to be strong, needs a strong gate, he said. In the past, the gate protected us against the British invasion, and today, the gate that protects us, is the living God, as believers of Christ, he said.
In the past, Rev. Dr. Iralu said, we trusted in our gate but in the present time we need to put our trust in the living God. To enjoy the blessings, to start afresh and for restoration, we need God to rebuild our walls, which have been torn down by negativity, he said.
Further, Rev. Dr. Iralu called upon the gathering to “humble ourselves and reaffirm our trust in Him, so that He would bless us in greater ways.”
Later, Kuolachalie Seyie, president Naga Club and several others also spoke at the main celebration held at Thezuliedzüke.
The Kharu unveiling programme was led by Lovilie Vakha and blowing of trumpet by Visosieto Vüprü. The main celebration was chaired by Kevisekho Chücha and compered by Lovilie Vakha and Kekhrienuo Mor.
Rev. Tsolie Chase, senior pastor Khonoma Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings and benediction by Savizo Hozoyeh. The programme was also marked cultural performances and songs from Socüno & Medziphe Semoma, Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation, Merhüma Youth Organisation, Kirha Youth Organisation, Hemang Zeliang youth, Kekhrieyie Belho, Kuki Dance (Molvom Youth & Students), Vihutsu Youth, Mezoma, Nyiseno Youth, Mezoma, Vimeneno Chücha and Lovo & Vipiahu.