Sekrenyi, the premier festival of the Angamis was celebrated in Dimapur and Kohima on Thursday with traditional fervour and pomp.
Kohima: Sekrenyi festival was celebrated in Kohima, at Angami Morung, Kisama. The festival was organised by Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) in collaboration with youth organisations of the four frontals including Northern, Southern, Western and Chakhroma.
Speaking at the programme as the “sokhrieu” (beloved guest), advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Er Zale Neikha said that educated youth should create their own opportunities by engaging in entrepreneurial activities instead of solely depending or waiting for government jobs.
In his address, Neikha said although Angamis were blessed geographically, their complacency had resulted in numerous drawbacks especially in the field of education and sports.
He called upon the gathering to be benevolent and to give up the unhealthy habit of being envious of each other which was prevalent among the masses.
Pointing out the adverse effects of educated unemployed youths in the society, Neikha said education should enable a person to learn the traits on how to not go hungry.
He said many youths with high qualifications presume it was degrading to open up small shops or engage in small scale entrepreneurial ventures when in fact such businesses were more rewarding when pursued with sincerity and hard work. Taking the present situation into consideration, Neikha said it was high time for youths to seriously ponder on venturing into business especially in the State capital Kohima and commercial hub, Dimapur. Calling on the parents and elders at the event to pass on the heritage of one’s culture and tradition to the upcoming generations, Neikha pointed out that if they broke the chain in that continuity then many good traditions passed on by “our” forefathers would be forever lost.
“While our people may take some more time to reach other advanced societies in terms of education and living standards, what we can do is keep up the good old tradition like honesty and hard work passed on to us”, Neikha stated.
Meanwhile, Angami Public Organisation advisor, Dr Vilhusa Seleyi gave a detailed insight on the meaning and significance of Sekrenyi and how it was celebrated in the past.
He said Sekrenyi or also called “Phousanyi” was a time for people to commit a new member of the family into the hands of a deity for sustenance and preservation from all harm and misfortunes all year through. During Sekrenyi people avoid squabbles, humours and other indulgences like getting drunk or merrymaking so as to ensure that they do not displease those around them at any cost in fear of having a year of misfortunes, Dr. Seleyi said.
“We must not consider our forefathers’ believe system as weak or inferior to ours. They have lived peacefully and prospered by living according to what they believe and that is why we’re gathered here today to partake in their beliefs”, Dr. Seleyi said. He also emphasised on two social virtues practised by Angamis in the olden times such as “taboo and having a sense of shame”. He said whichever family or village preached these two virtues led dignified lives and also prospered as a society. Earlier, the programme was chaired by AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha while treasurer, Mhasimhalie Matthew proposed vote of thanks. A special presentation “Tati pfhe” was exhibited by Pfuchazünuo. (Correspondent)
Dimapur: Members of the Angami community celebrated Sekrenyi festival at Northern Angami colony ground, Dimapur.
The festival was organised by Chakhro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU) along with its frontal organisations: Chakhro Kuda Razha; Angamiapfü Khrotho; Chakhro Angami Youth Organisation and Chakhro Angami Kuda Student Union. Speaking as chief guest at the programme, advisor excise, sericulture and minority affairs, Zhaleo Rio, stressed on the importance of preserving one’s identity and culture. He said that preserving one’s heritage and culture was a knowledge being passed down from one generation to the next.
Quoting the adage, “when an old man dies, a library is lost”, the advisor said that it was important to inculcate the values, practices and culture.
Meanwhile, significance of the festival was shared by Kevilhulie Senotsu, invocation prayer was said by Baptist revival church, Kuda village Dimapur pastor, Rev. Khriezovi Kiso, greetings speech by CAKU president Zhato Kimho and special song by Kuda village, A-khel I/c Senyiu Nagi.
Later, vote of thanks was proposed by CAKU general secretary, Vimechiezo Miachie-o, followed by mass prayer and feast.
The programme was followed an entertainment session with songs presented by Ardo Pfukha, Asebi Khate, Khethozhavi Liegise and duet by Asebi Khate and Kevingumeno Yhor. The celebration was attended by hundreds in traditional attires.
(Staff Reporter)