Nagaland Ahuna Festival 2025 celebrated at Pughoboto

Ahuna Festival 2025 celebration is underway at Pughoboto Town under the theme “Bound by History, Bridging Generations.” The event is being organized by Sümi Hoho and hosted by Sümi Aphuyemi Frontal Organizations, with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
Gracing the occasion as the special guest, principal secretary, Y Kikheto Sema, reminded the gathering that Ahuna Festival, the most significant celebration of the Sümi Nagas is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and agricultural labor. He underscored that such festivals are not merely occasions of feasting and joy but also a celebration of human effort and the dignity of work, urging the community to preserve these values as central to Sümi identity.
Highlighting the strategic and geographical position of the Sümi region, he observed that the Sumis, being centrally located in Nagaland and sharing boundaries with almost all major Naga tribes, are in a unique position to build bridges of friendship and understanding. He described this as both a privilege and a responsibility to promote unity among all Nagas.
Kikheto raised concern over the escalating cost of elections in Nagaland, describing it as one of the most expensive electoral systems in the country. He pointed out that an average of ₹20 crore is reportedly spent in each Assembly constituency within Sümi-dominated areas, amounting to nearly ₹440 crore across constituencies under the Sema tribe. He termed this trend “alarming and unsustainable,” warning that such practices threaten to distort democratic values and burden society.
He further observed that Nagaland comprises 378 villages, 30 area students’ unions, and 12 ranges, besides numerous Sümi organizations outside the state. Sustaining these institutions and organizing community events often require substantial financial resources, with annual estimates of around ₹5 lakh per event, translating to roughly ₹24 crore each year.
Calling for financial prudence, transparency, and accountability, Kikheto urged community leaders and organizations to ensure that public funds and shared resources are utilized wisely, responsibly, and always in the spirit of collective welfare.
While delivering the keynote address, general secretary, Sumi Hoho, Hotoshe Sema, highlighted that the reason for celebrating the Ahuna Festival in Pughoboto this year was to bring a change, as the festival had always been held in Zunheboto town in the past. He explained that this decision also aims to strengthen relationships with neighbouring tribes. He further announced that, henceforth, the Ahuna Festival will be celebrated in all the subdivisions of Zunheboto District, one after another.
President Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu Gihuka Zhimomi addressed the congregation with profound honour on the auspicious occasion of Ahuna. In his speech, he highlighted the rich cultural heritage that unites the Sumi community and reminded everyone of the collective responsibility to uphold it.
He expressed concern over the growing complacency and idle mindset that have begun to weaken the fabric of society, noting that these are not mere generational issues but signs of a deeper social decline. The loss of purpose and organizational discipline, he said, has led to discord within the community. Mr. Gihuka emphasized that every organization and individual must recognize their boundaries and carry out their duties with humility. The attitude of self-importance and the tendency to undermine others, he warned, destroy the trust that binds the community together, risking a legacy of division for future generations.
In his address, president Sumi Youth Organisation, Hikavi Kinimi, called upon the Sumi community to stand united and strive toward excellence. He emphasized that festivals like Ahuna should serve as a channel of forgiveness, reflecting the will of God. He further wished that the blessings of the festival be upon every Sumi youth.
President Sumi Totimi Hoho, Vitoli Sumi, mentioned that, to her knowledge, the Ahuna Festival had always been celebrated in Zunheboto, and this was the first time it was being celebrated in Pughoboto. She stated that hosting the festival in Pughoboto was a testament to the unity of the Sumi people across all regions. She also reminded the gathering that the Ahuna Festival is an important symbol of Sumi cultural identity.
Ealier, the programme was chaired by vice president Sümi Hoho, Otova Swu. A special tribute was presented by Vipito V. Swu and Nguvili Assumi. Special song was presented by Lovi Aye while the closing prayer was pronounced by women secretary, SABAK, Alito V. Swu.