The Lotha community celebrated its vibrant post-harvest festival, Tokhu Emong, with much enthusiasm in various places.
Bhandari: Nagaland deputy chief minister Y. Patton attended the inauguration of Tongti Village under Yanmhon Area, Bhandari Constituency, and joined the celebrations of the annual Tokhü Emong Festival on November 7.
A press statement from Dy CM (Home & Border Affairs) media cell informed that the village was officially inaugurated by chairman of SDPDB Bhandari Achumbemo Kikon, MLA. The monolith stone was dedicated by Rev. Fr. George Antony, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Bhandari Town.
Speaking at the celebrations, Deputy CM Patton highlighted the importance of unity and forgiveness as pillars for community growth.
Achumbemo Kikon, the special guest for the festival, shared insights into the developmental projects underway in Bhandari Constituency. He was accompanied by Peter Lichamo, IAS (Retd.), and Renphamo Kikon, (Rtd) Additional Director of the Agriculture Department.
The event was chaired by chairman of Ruchan Village Council, Thungdemo Tungoe, invocation was offered by Samuel Mozhui of Longjung Village, and a cultural dance performance by the Liphi Village Cultural Troupe brought vibrancy to the celebrations.
President of YAPO, Mathew Humtsoe, delivered an exhortation, while chairman of BTLH, Tachow Lotha, narrated the history and cultural significance of the Tokhü Emong Festival. A special performance by Yantsuthung Yanthan captivated the audience.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by former president of YAPO, Chenirao Khenchung. The dual occasion celebrated the inauguration of a new village and the rich cultural heritage of the Lotha Naga community, reinforcing the importance of tradition, unity, and progress.
Kohima: The Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) celebrated Tokhu Emong, the post-harvest festival of the Lotha tribe, with vibrant festivities at the NSF Solidarity Park on Thursday.
The event featured Wokha DPDB chairman, Y. Mhombemo Humtsoe, MLA and as the special guest, who called upon the Lotha community to reflect on the contributions of their elders and work towards collective progress.
In his address, Humtsoe highlighted the vital role that Lotha elders have played in advancing both the tribe and Naga society as a whole. He urged the gathering to consider the achievements of previous generations, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration to drive the Lotha community forward.
In conjunction with the Tokhu Emong celebrations, the High School Yankho Lotha Ekhung Kohima (HSYLEK) commemorated its 25th anniversary at Highland Park, Kohima. Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, E. Mhonbemo Patton, attended as the special guest and released a commemorative souvenir marking HSYLEK’s silver jubilee.
The dual celebrations underscored the strength of Lotha cultural heritage and the enduring impact of community efforts toward societal development.
Wokha: The Tokhu Emong Festival in Wokha concluded with a vibrant musical night at the public ground in Wokha on November 7, with SDO (Civil) Wokha, Echungbemo Erui, as the evening’s special guest.
In his address, Erui extended Tokhu greetings to the crowd and highlighted the festival’s deeper meaning, urging attendees to celebrate responsibly. He emphasized that while Tokhu Emong is known as a festival of feasting, it should be observed in alignment with Christian values, avoiding intoxication and violence. He particularly encouraged young people to stay on a positive path, noting that issues related to intoxication often affect the youth.
Erui expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the festival and extended gratitude to the Lotha Hoho for beautifully organizing the event. He also encouraged the youths to take the musical night as platform to boost their confidence and practice their stage presence for bigger audiences in the future. (Correspondent)
DMMDH Wokha: Tokhu Emong Programme was held on November 6, at Conference Hall Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH) Wokha.
On the occasion, DMMDH medical superintendent Dr. N. Mhonchan Kithan, in his welcome address stated that Tokhu Emong is a post-harvest festival celebrated by the Lotha Naga tribe in Nagaland, thanking Almighty God for the abundant blessings of crops.
Renjamo Humtsoe highlighted on the story of Tokhu Emong celebrated by the Lotha ancestors, it is a post-harvest celebration, eating food, drinking, merrymaking and renew relationship with families and close friends, forgive one another, love and reconciliation.
DMMDH assistant MS Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung, shared that Tokhu Emong is celebrated in the beginning of the month November for nine days and official on November 7.
Tokhu special song was presented by staff DMMDH in-charge Chonbeni, Lothungbeni and Renthunglo Lotha presented Tokhu song “Choro kupi”.
The programme was chaired by Sr. Dental Surgeon, Dr. N. Chenithung Yanthan, Dr. Wobenthung Tsopoe delivered the word of gratitude, invocation and benediction was pronounced by Renbemo Tungoe and Khonbeni Humtsoe.
CLH: Chumoukedima Lotha Hoho (CLH) observed the festival at 4th Mile Agri Expo with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) CEO Thungchanbemo Tungoe as Tokhu special guest.
Speaking at the event, Tungoe in his speech emphasized the importance of celebrating the festival in its truest spirit, calling for reconciliation, unity, and mutual respect among community members.
He encouraged everyone to come together in harmony, underlining that “Tokhu Emong” should be a time to strengthen bonds and resolve differences. He underscored the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with each other and embrace the collective values that define the Lotha identity.
He reminded the gathering of the important role that the Hohos (tribal councils) play in representing the community’s interests. He urged the Lotha people to respect the Hohos as they symbolize unity and act as custodians of the tribe’s values and traditions.
Loyalty to one’s tribe and respect for these institutions, he suggested, are essential for maintaining communal integrity and ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Lotha people continues to thrive.
He also lauded the CLH for organizing the event successfully, commending the organizers for creating an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration. He acknowledged their efforts in showcasing the Lotha culture with enthusiasm and in bringing the community together in unity, thus making the Tokhu Emong celebration a meaningful and memorable occasion.
Blessing prayer was proposed by Rev Ezamo Murry and significance of the festival was shared by Zanbemo Lotha, IPS (retired). Dedicatory prayer was proposed by Infant Jesus Church, 5th Mile Catechist R Samuel, folk song was presented by Titiphen cultural group, Chumoukedima, folk dance was presented by Lotha Senthan Mungyanta cultural group Diphupar.
Highlights of the event include tug of war and cultural games and sports which was followed by festival feast. (Staff Reporter)
KALH: Karbi Anglong Lotha Hoho (KALH) celebrated its 23rd Tokhu Emong festival at Borlengri BLSA ground with APHCL Karbi Anglong president J. I. Kathar (retired IAS) as chief guest and social activist ex-independent candidate Borjan, member APHLC Anita Anthony Mech as special guest. The event was dedicated by Bor Lengri Lotha Baptist Church (BLLBC) CNY pastor William Humtsoe.
Speaking at the celebration, the chief guest emphasized on the fundamental importance of identity, stating that a clear understanding of one’s own identity is essential for understanding others.
He underscored that self-awareness and a deep connection to one’s cultural roots foster empathy and respect within and beyond the community. By first understanding and embracing their own heritage, individuals are better equipped to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of others, he stated.
Significance of the festival was read out by C Yihamo Ovung, blessing prayer was proposed by BLLBC senior pastor Rev Arhonthung Odyuo, folk song was presented by Etingbemo Kithan. The programme was followed by festival feast. (Staff Reporter)
Nihoto, Showuba Old & New: The Lotha Ekhung Nihoto, Showuba Old & New marked its 6th Tokhü Emong Festival with a vibrant celebration hosted at the residence of deputy secretary, Government of Nagaland, Theodore Yanthan, at Nihoto Village on November 7.
Key dignitaries, including Dr. Y.Y. Kikon, (Rtd) Director of Horticulture, and Yidemo Odyuo, (Rtd) Sub-Treasury Officer, also addressed the gathering, who encouraged the community to uphold their traditions while working collectively towards progress.
The event began with an invocation by managing director of Wondang-ki Charitable Foundation, NT Kikon, setting a reflective tone for the festivities.
Chairman of Lotha Ekhung Nihoto, Showuba Old & New, Rhonchumo Yanthan, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the cultural significance of Tokhü Emong and its role in fostering unity within the community.
A mass prayer for unity and prosperity was led by Rev. Nyamo Kikon, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from vice chairman of the Lotha Ekhung Nihoto, Showuba Old & New, Renthungo Yanthan, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and contributors.