The concluding day of the Tokhu Emong was celebrated across Nagaland on Friday with festive fervor and various programmes.
WOKHA : Tokhü Emong celebration was held at the Public Ground, Wokha, on November 7, with MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero gracing the occasion as the Special Guest.
Addressing the programme, Dr. Mero highlighted the similarities between Tokhü Emong and Chakesang festival, particularly in the shared ethos of community bonding and thanksgiving. He noted that the Lotha community is blessed with fertile land and abundant agricultural and horticultural produce, which continue to support and boost the local economy.
Speaking on the blessings upon the Lotha community, he cited the Doyang Hydro Project, which generates 75 MW of power, as well as the annual roosting of Amur Falcons which together hold both economic and tourism potential. He further mentioned the presence of untapped oil reserves in the district that could contribute significantly to the region’s development if properly harnessed.
Dr. Mero lauded the Lotha community for their strong performance in competitive examinations and for producing capable officers and professionals, describing the Lothas as hardworking and disciplined, qualities he encouraged others to emulate. Stressing the importance of dignity of labour, he urged people to respect all forms of work and cultivate good habits.
He also reminded the gathering that leadership plays a crucial role in shaping society, stating that good leaders uplift communities while irresponsible leadership can burden the people. He called on citizens to be “rays of sunshine” in their own spheres, drawing inspiration from ancestors who bravely resisted external domination.
Concluding his address, the special guest expressed hope that the celebration of Tokhü Emong would inspire good leadership, harmony, and longevity among the community.
Delivering Tokhü greetings, ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, spoke on the changing times, noting that in the pursuit of a fast-paced modern life, communities risk losing touch with their cultural heritage. He observed that Tokhü Emong, once celebrated with greater unity and spirit, has gradually lost some of its essence. He therefore urged the gathering not to forget their roots while embracing modernity, and to uphold the festival’s core values of unity, reconciliation, and friendship. He appealed to citizens to foster love, respect, and harmony in society.
The finals of the tug of war competition were also held, where Midland Colony emerged as the champions for the second consecutive year. GHS Colony secured the second position, while Zuvotong Colony claimed third place. (Correspondent)
Wokha evening programme: The evening programme and conclusion of the Tokhü Emong celebration was held at the Public Ground on the evening of November 7, with Superintendent of Police Wokha Relo Aye as the special guest for the occasion.
In his address, Aye extended festival greetings and reflected on the state of development in Nagaland.
He expressed concern that even after more than 60 years of statehood, Nagaland continued to face developmental challenges.
He said that for meaningful progress to take place, both the public and the authorities must work together with a positive attitude and a shared sense of responsibility.
He observed that the state remained heavily dependent on Delhi, and noted that the COVID-19 lockdown period had revealed how reliant Nagaland was on other states even for basic necessities. This, he stated, raised questions about the community’s long-term sustainability if such dependency continued.
Aye further pointed out that the elders of earlier generations had maintained a strong work ethic and valued even a single grain of rice, whereas in the present day people had become overly accustomed to receiving subsidies and free provisions.
He cautioned that this growing comfort with dependency could weaken both the community’s self-reliance and its traditional identity.
He therefore stressed the need to revive the work culture practiced by the forefathers, adding that without this, festivals like Tokhü Emong could gradually lose their deeper meaning.
Concluding his remarks, Aye encouraged the community to celebrate the festival in a spirit of unity, peace, and renewed commitment towards progress and self-sufficiency.
Later in the evening, a musical night was held featuring performances from various artists. (Correspondent)
Diphupar: The Diphupar Lotha community observe the 49th Diphupar Tokhu Emong festival cum cultural exchange programme in collaboration with North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) was celebrated at stone sculpture garden, NEZCC, here Friday. The event was organized by Diphupar Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) and Diphupar Lotha Students Union (DLSU).
Gracing the event as the guest of honour, Dr. Roland Lotha, noted social activist and philanthropist, extended warm Tokhu Emong greetings to the gathering.
In his address, Dr. Lotha lauded the organizers for hosting a vibrant programme that brought together diverse communities to showcase their traditional attires, dances, and cultural expressions. He emphasized that such celebrations not only preserve and promote cultural heritage but also strengthen the spirit of unity amidst diversity. Encouraging the gathering, Dr. Lotha urged every individual to take pride in their roots and contribute positively towards the upliftment and progress of their respective communities. Highlights of the event included cultural presentation by Lotha Senthan Mungyanta cultural club, Rongmei students Diphupar, Garo cultural Troupe (Samaguri) , Chakhesang Zuve cultural club, Khiamniungan cultural club, Diphupar, Vungi Nzanta cultural club, Ustomi Union Dimapur (Sumi) and Phom Bhumnyu cultural club.
Earlier, the prayer was proposed by LBCD associate pastor, reverend Yimtsu Yanthan , welcome address was delivered by Tokhui Emong convenor BE Winnerson Lotha, and exhortation by Lotha community Diphupar chairman E Zubenthung Patton.
Blessings prayer was also proposed by Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar (LBCD) pastor, reverend Limhathung Lotha.
Later, vote of thanks was delivered by Diphupar Lotha Youth Organisation president Shancho Kikon and benediction was proposed by Catechist infant Jesus catholic Church, R Samuel Yanthan. (Staff Reporter)
DIMAPUR: Tokhü Emong festival Was celebrated on November 7 at Local ground Bhandari Town, organised by the Tokhu Lhinsung okho , Lotha Hoho Bhandari Town, under the theme “Variance through linkage to the old and the contemporary “ with managing director & CEO Nagaland State Agricultural Produce & Livestock Marketing Board (NSAPLMB) 4th mile, Chumoukedima, Jacob Yanthan, as the special guest.
Speaking at the event Yanthan extended his warm Tokhu Emong greeting and emphasized the importance of preserving Lotha tradition, culture and language. He urged the people to value ones traditional attires, ornaments and cultural identity.
He also called on the individuals to take responsibility for fostering a society that promotes the well-being of all and to play a vital role in ensuring continued prosperity and unity.
Earlier, in the programme the invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev, Longshi Mozhui, Sr. Pastor BTBE and welcome address was delivered by Tachow Lotha, Chairman BTLH & Tokhu chairman. The significance of Tokhu was shared by Hathungo Kithan.
The formal programme was followed by a number of sporting events such as women’s football, volleyball and men’s football wherein 11 colonies participated in the Tokhu Emong tournament 2025.
DIMAPUR: Tokhvu Emong was celebrated by the Duncan Bosti Lotha fraternity on November 7, 2025 at the LBCD, Duncan-Court Sector Church compound.
A press release by secretary of Tokhvu Committee, 2025 DBLE, Liren Tsopoe, stated that the address by Lichio Kithan, secretary, DBLE followed by 1minute silent prayer in remembrance of those members who passed away during the past years.
Chairman, DBLE, T.L. Merry, on behalf of Ekhung (union) expressed heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all Duncan residents; the Lotha community in particular for their concern and cooperation towards building Duncan Bosti into a decent, tranquil, and secure atmosphere, conducive for peaceful co-existence of all; with special regard to the venerable elderly/senior citizens who comprises the majority of Duncan residents.
The Chairman, Duncan Bosti Council, Wojamo Yanthan conveyed greetings and Tokhvu blessings upon all and exhorted the younger generation of Lotha boys and girls to actively involve and contribute towards taking the Lotha culture, tradition and identity to greater heights.
Members participating and attending Tokhvu were enthralled by a variety of presentations and performances that included – significance of Tokhvu Emong; a brief narration by M.Y. Ngullie, Head GB, Duncan Bosti, Eran Khen, in-charge Chumben Mozhui of Duncan Bosti Lotha Youth Ekhung (DBLYE) and songs commemorating Tokhvu Emong were presented by Rhonbemo Humtsoe and Priscilla Ngullie.
The Secretary, DBLE Tokhvu Committee, Liren Tsopoe presented a brief account of the Tokhvu 2025 recd/expenses; expressing heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors for DBLE Tokhvu 2025, including Mr & Mrs Mhathung Yanthan, MLA, advisor, Agriculture, Mr & Mrs Libanthung Lotha IAS (Retd.) Mr & Mrs James Kinghen, DIG, Nagaland, Mr & Mrs N.M. Ovung, Dr & Mrs Renchamo Kikon, Mr & Mrs Thungdemo Mozhui and Dr & Mrs Robin Mozhui.
The program was chaired by Penathung Kithan Vice Chairman, Duncan Bosti Lotha Ekhung (DBLE) and began with a prayer by Eramo Tsanthungo Patton, invoking Tokhvu blessings upon all.
Rev Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, pastor, Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) also invoked God’s blessing and prayed for peace, unity and prosperity upon every citizen in general and DBLE members in particular, irrespective of age or gender, on the occasion of Ematha Tokhvu 2025 and the years ahead.
With vote of thanks was delivered by DBLE treasurer, Dr Zubemo Kithan, a mass spoken prayer and benediction by Tsenchibemo Lotha, IFS (Retd.)
The formal programme was followed by a program of funfair and laughter following which, Mrs. Lozano Tsopoe, deaconess, blessed and pronounced grace for the sumptuous Tokhvu feast.