Longsa prepares for Tsüngremmung 2025

Longsa Village in Mokokchung district is set to host the Tsüngremmung Festival 2025 from August 1 to 3, 2025 marking a vibrant return of one of Ao Naga’s most culturally significant celebrations. Organised by the Longsa Village Council and supported by the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland, this year’s event is expected to be a large-scale gathering of tradition, community and revival following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other constraints.
Tsüngremmung, traditionally observed before the harvest season, signifies thanksgiving, unity, and renewal of societal ties. Rooted in agrarian traditions, it brings villagers together after sowing season for communal cleansing, cultural sharing, and festive bonding through songs, dances, rituals, and feasts. Historically, it was both a spiritual and social event, reflecting Ao Naga values passed down generations.
This year’s festival will unfold in three phases—Süngben Mung (Preparation Day), Yatimung (Main Day), and Aien Lenpi (Final Day). On August 1, villagers will engage in traditional activities like vine collection, home cleaning, and rice pounding. The day concludes with a cultural competition. On August 2, the community celebrates Yatimung with vine pulling, tug-of-war between men and women, cultural dances, communal feasting, and Kimak singing that continues through the night. Aien Lenpi on August 3 features bonfires, village cleaning and final feasting led by unmarried men.
Dignitaries expected to grace the festival include G. Kaito Aye, minister for PWD (R&B) as chief guest; Imkong L. Imchen, advisor for Information & Public Relations, Soil & Water Conservation as guest of honour; and Imkongmar, advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture as Honoured Guest.
Longsa, designated a Tourist Village in 2006, remains a vibrant cultural hub with heritage sites like Longkakak, a natural cave; Koralong, the “stone that used to crow”; Longsa Long, a symbolic gate to the afterlife; and Ko Kongki, a traditional stringed instrument crafted from the hair of trophy heads. Awatzü Pond and Yimpenzükong hill offer scenic views and folklore-rich stories, adding depth to Longsa’s historic landscape.
The origins of Tsüngremmung trace back to the days when man lived in close communion with God. According to oral tradition, in an earlier time, a devout and hardworking farmer named Merangshang laboured tirelessly in his field, yet noticed that his neighbour, Tsüngremshang, despite cultivating only occasionally, reaped abundant harvests.
Intrigued by this mystery, Merangshang sought Tsüngremshang’s counsel and was told that his agricultural blessings stemmed from spiritual rituals performed to propitiate ‘Longditsüngba’—God the Provider. Tsüngremshang would undergo purification during cultivation and offer thanksgiving before harvest. Merangshang adopted the same practice, and both farmers began to witness unprecedented abundance.
Word of this divine ritual spread throughout the village. In time, the community gathered annually to honour God with gratitude, giving rise to the observance known as Tsüngremmung—named after its spiritual originator. Eventually, the entire Ao tribe embraced the tradition, making Tsüngremmung a cornerstone of Ao identity.
A unique tradition linked to the festival is the sighting of the white blossoms of ‘Songsaben’ below Chungliyimti, which herald the onset of Tsüngremmung. As Longsa Village was the first to witness the blossoms, the festival traditionally commences there before spreading to other Ao settlements. It is for this reason Tsüngremmung is also referred to as “Longsamung.”
Longsa’s people continue to take pride in their ancestral roots, blending colourful traditions with deep reverence for Ao identity. With its majestic hills, vibrant culture and legendary past, Longsa remains an emblem of heritage and unity—ready to once again host Tsüngremmung in all its grandeur.