Correspondent
WOKHA/KOHIMA, NOV 7 (NPN): Tokhü Emong, the traditional post-harvest festival of the Lotha community, was celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural fervour in Wokha and Kohima on November 7, with programmes highlighting the importance of preserving Lotha language, culture and traditional values.At Wokha, the celebration was held at Wokha Public Ground, with MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe gracing the occasion.Calling for greater efforts to preserve the Lotha language, heritage and traditional values, Humtsoe urged the younger generation to revive traditional Lotha salutations, expressions and forms of address that were commonly used by their ancestors but were gradually disappearing from everyday conversations.
He stressed that the declining use of the mother tongue could eventually lead to the loss of cultural identity and heritage, and encouraged the community to make conscious efforts to keep the language alive through its daily use.
Addressing the gathering, Humtsoe also called for a thoughtful and constructive approach towards social issues, urging people to examine matters from different perspectives rather than forming opinions based on a single point of view. He emphasised the importance of understanding the truth before arriving at conclusions.
Reflecting on the values of Tokhü Emong, he said the festival should be more than an annual celebration and called upon people to bring positive changes within themselves and society. Highlighting forgiveness and reconciliation as important values, he urged people to forgive one another and resolve differences.
Describing Wokha as a pioneer in various fields, Humtsoe recalled the district’s contributions to social and political developments and called for greater recognition of the positive contributions made by leaders across different sectors. He said appreciating good work, rather than limiting public discourse to criticism, would help strengthen unity and enable the community to move forward collectively.
The programme also featured the final match of the tug-of-war competition, with Midland Colony emerging as the winner. Nchumbemo Erui and team presented a traditional Tokhü song, while Wokha Town Phiro Cultural Organisation showcased a folk song and dance performance. The choir of Wokha Town Baptist Church also presented a special song.
The programme was attended by Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Nchumbemo Mozhui, among others, and concluded with the traditional Tokhü feast.
Meanwhile, the 26th Bayavü Yankho Lotha Ekhüng (BYLEK) Tokhü Emong festival was celebrated at Highland Park, Kohima, bringing together members of the Lotha community to celebrate their cultural identity, traditions and spirit of togetherness.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, secretary of the Home Department, Elizabeth Ngully, emphasised the importance of unity and togetherness among the Lotha community. She encouraged members to forgive one another for past mistakes, set aside differences and support each other through mutual understanding.
She also encouraged youth to look beyond government employment and explore opportunities in skill development, entrepreneurship and other sectors to become self-reliant.
Highlighting the importance of preserving cultural identity, Ngully urged the younger generation to make speaking their mother tongue a priority. She also stressed the need to make Lotha language learning more child-friendly and accessible to beginners, observing that some existing learning materials could be too advanced for children and new learners.
She suggested introducing short-term Lotha language courses, similar to those offered for Japanese, Chinese and Korean, to encourage more people, particularly the younger generation, to learn and speak the language fluently.
Ngully further called upon elders to take responsibility for passing down traditional knowledge, customs, values and cultural practices to younger generations to ensure the preservation of Lotha heritage.
According to a press release issued by BYLEK, the programme was chaired by its assistant general secretary, Chonbenthung Jungio, while invocation was pronounced by Kohima Lotha Baptist Church (KLBC) pastor, Zuchonthung Ovung. Welcome address was delivered by BYLEK chairman, Nchumbemo Ngullie.
A special song was presented by Yeni Von, while elder A. Nyimtsemo Ngullie narrated a traditional Tokhü story and Yanchenthung Ezung presented a poem. Cuckoo Cultural Club also presented traditional Lotha Sharu.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by BYLEK women coordinator, Lothunglo Tsanglao, and benediction pronounced by KLBC women leader, Ethel Shitio.
Meanwhile, Lotha Ekhüng, Lower Agri Colony, Kohima, also celebrated Tokhü Emong on November 7, bringing together elders, children and in-laws to mark the festival in a spirit of unity and togetherness. The celebration provided an opportunity for members of the community to cherish their cultural heritage, strengthen family bonds and share the joy and beauty of Lotha traditions with loved ones.