Tsokum, a pre harvest festival of Khiamniungans, was celebrated with great fun and gaiety on Thursday at The Heritage, Kisama.
The celebration was organised by Khiamniungan Union Kohima and the day also marked the 34th general session of the union.
Extending Tsokum greetings to Khiamniungans, minister for road and bridges, Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire said festivals bring people from different community together.
He encouraged Khiamniungans to invite other tribes to the festival so as to build better relation and maintain unity among the different Naga tribes. Dr. Nicky said such gesture would promote unity and would make Nagaland a better place to live in.
Dr. Nicky also advised the youths to remember their roots and asked them not neglect the society but to give back and learn the “joy of giving”.
Delivering the significance of Tsokum festival, joint director of health and family welfare Dr. C Thanghoi, said Tsokum was one of the most important and significant festivals celebrated by the Khiamniungan tribe to invoke blessing for a rich harvest. He said the festival has immense impact and meaning on the socio-religious life of the Khiamniungans.
Dr. Thanghoi said Tsokum was the festival of dedication to commence the harvest in the jhum field. He said harvested grains from the new jhum field was brought and tasted only after the celebration of Tsokum Sumai.
He said Khiamniungans during the eight days Tsokum celebration perform different rites and rituals. Dr. Thanghoi said Tsokum Sumai marks the beginning of harvest before which no one was allowed to reap and take the newly harvest rice/food as it was believed that unfavourable events and famine befalls upon the village or the family.
Others who spoke in the celebration include Eastern Nagaland People Union Kohima (ENPUK) president David and advisor (political) to chief minister, S. Shingnyu. Songs and cultural presentations marked Tsokum festival celebration.