Nagaland: Lozaphuhu celebrates Sukrenye festival with cultural fervour

Sukrenye festival was celebrated at Lozaphuhu village from January 14 to 16, 2026, culminating with the Mi-Le Sukrenye programme under the theme “Celebrating Community, Culture & Continuity.” The feast this year was hosted by the Luhu Le peer group, which offered a community meal to the entire village.
The day-long programme began with a march by the menfolk, flag hoisting and trumpet blowing, followed by a prayer from Rev. Fr. Vekupa George Rhakho. A welcome note was delivered by Vekusheyi Rhakho, dy. secretary, Geology & Mining, while a souvenir commemorating the occasion was released by Veni Vese, ADCP, Chumoukedima. Greetings were conveyed by Khusuzo Khamo, VCC Lozaphuhu. Folk songs, fusion performances and narration of traditional practices were presented by various groups and individuals.
Special guest, Er. Vechiso Chakhesang, additional director, Treasuries & Accounts, exhorted the community to remain rooted in age-old values while striving forward. Competitions in tug-of-war, top spinning and penalty shoot-out were held, with prizes distributed by Nesakho Sakha, GT, GHSS Phek Town. The programme concluded with prayers, de-hoisting of the flag, and cultural displays.
Sukrenye, traditionally a festival of sanctification, involves rituals where children are blessed by parents. Boys undergo sukreyi through symbolic cooking of chicken on a separate hearth, while girls undergo sukre only once before reaching puberty. The sanctification ritual is performed near the entrance of the house (chelukhro), symbolising blessing and preparation for their transition into adulthood. Elders of integrity may also sanctify the community.
Historically, Sukrenye was observed over nine days in January, aligned with the lunar calendar to avoid full moon during core rituals such as Chedu, Thupusukre and Thunosukre. The festival included phases of feasting, hunting, clan gatherings, and observance of genna (ritual restrictions).