The Tsütuo Kharu (gate) pulling ceremony of Tsütuonuomia Thinuo (T Khel) took place on Thursday, with thousands gathering in their traditional attire to pull the gate from Merhülietsa to Seithogei, covering a distance of nearly 4 km despite the inclement weather.
Beside the gate, 16 stones monuments christened “United Stones” were erected symbolising unity of 16 districts. Residents from 43 villages gathered to participate in the gate-pulling event, demonstrating support, unity, and harmony.
Ambassador of Republic of Peru to India Javier Paulinich was the chief guest at the event, where chief minister Neiphiu Rio was the chief host and Tourism minister Temjen Imna Along the co-host.
In his speech, Paulinich noted that Nagaland has set an example through its efforts at cultural preservation and the commitment to promote Naga traditions, exemplified by events like the Hornbill Festival.
He commented that despite the geographical distance, cultural bonds between India and Peru were unbreakable, and events like Hornbill Festival served as bridges between the two countries.
Paulinich highlighted the deep connection between India and Peru, disclosing that this year also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a proof of the friendship that flourished over the decades.
He said that this reflected the shared values of diversity, unity, and mutual respect that bind the two nations together.
Paulinich said both the country had in recent years engaged in robust economic partnerships, exploring avenues for collaboration in trade, technology, and innovation. He mentioned that India’s vibrant information technology sector and Peru’s growing industries presented unique opportunities for mutually beneficial exchanges.
Even beyond the diplomatic and economic ties, the ambassador said Peru and India also had ancient cultures, drawing parallels between the ancient civilisations of the two countries.
He encouraged all to recognise the enduring legacy they had been left for the people of the two countries to cherish and celebrate. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the chief minister for extending invitation to Peru, stating that this would strengthen relations between Peru and India.
Earlier, the ceremony began with Rio greeting the people and expressing gratitude to T Khel for making him the chief host. He commended T Khel for organising such events during the Hornbill Festival.
Noting that such events showcased the state’s rich culture, traditions, and practices to tourists, he highlighted the importance of initiatives like this during the festive season despite various challenges.
He underscored the significance of the gate as a symbol of welcome for all who entered or passed through it. Acknowledging such events during the Hornbill Festival, he conveyed the government’s deep appreciation for the efforts put in to give visibility to Nagaland.
While the state’s population was predominantly Christian, Rio stressed that there was value in remembering ancestral practices and customary laws. He said the British Parliament had passed a law in 1873 protecting the culture and traditions of the Naga people.
The programme was followed by mepfii (war cry) heralding the gate pulling ceremony, before unity stones of 16 districts of Nagaland were unveiled by the chief minister and prayer pronounced by pastor Atuo Whourie.
Speaking on the occasion, T Khel Council chairman Neibou Sekhose mentioned that almost every village in the region had its own boundary and gate, adding that village gates were erected along routes through which villagers went to their fields or travelled outside their villages.
He pointed out that such traditional gates abound in Kohima village and that 15 such gates existed in Kohima, with T Khel owning four of them, the most recent being the one that was pulled during the day named “Tsiituo Kharu”.
He said Tsütuo Kharu would be erected at Seithogei (NH-29) as a part of the welcome gate to Kohima.
Host of legislators including GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita, representatives of Angami village councils and dignitaries attended the event. All the participants were treated to a special ethnic dish called “moudi”.
Later, speaking to media persons, Sekhose disclosed that residents of 43 villages participated in the event, intending the gate to become a symbol of welcome for the capital.
He asserted that the establishment of the gate would convey a message of unity and strength to the people, while the 16 united stones would symbolise unity among all districts and the spirit of love they shared.
Stating that significant resources had been invested to organisethe event, he remarked that all these had become worthwhile as people from various places had come and participated.
Regarding the presence of many Gorkhas at the event, Sekhose explained that their friendship dated back to the 18th century when individuals migrated from Nepal, settled in Chandmari, Kohima, and tended to their cattle. He said T Khel community embraced them as their own.
Additionally, he noted that every time the TKhel gate was pulled, there was rain and that this was seen as a blessing from God. The Kohima village now boasts of 16 gates, five in Lhisemia Khel, four in Tsütuonuomia and three each in Dapfütsumia Khel and Pfuchatshumia.