Mao community from across the state congregated at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School ground here Wednesday to celebrate Chüthuni, the premier festival, which marked the new year of Mao, organized by Mao Hoho Nagaland.
Extending Chüthuni greetings and welcome address, Mao Hoho Nagaland president A. Daili urged the gathering to preserve the integrity and eliminate the difference among Naga society.
Highlighting the significance of Chüthuni festival, Rev. Fr. Dr. Salew Peter said the festival was celebrated on the first day of the year, which falls in the first month of Mao Lunar calendar. He said this was to mark the creation of life by God and thanksgiving for the gift life.
Chüthuni is also known as post harvest festival where harvested paddy are brought home safely and preserved in barns.
He also said during the festival, food items and drinks were shared with others to strengthen the sense of brotherhood and oneness among the community. He added that Chüthuni festival entailed a lot of sacrificial rituals, physical and spiritual purification.
Earlier, the event was graced by Akheto Yepthomi, P.S to former minister G. Kaito Aye, as chief guest and chief medical officer Nagaland Police Dr. N. Adaho as guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Akheto Yepthomi called upon the gathering to remain united through culture. He expressed hope that Chüthuni festival would bring blessing not only to Mao community but to Naga society.
The programme was moderated by Adahe Neli and Athishu Pfokhra. Er. S. Ashiho invoked God’s blessing and K. Ela pronounced vote of thanks. Thousands of people including in-laws and invitees from across the state attended the celebration. People were enthralled with cultural dance and folk songs followed by grand festival feast.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026