Nagaland: Tsüngkamnyo strengthens Sumi–Yimkhiung bond

The closing ceremony of the Tsüngkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival 2026, celebrating the post-harvest winter festival of the Yimkhiung Naga community, was held at Shamator Town with cultural splendour and a strong message of unity.
A significant highlight of the festival was the renewal of friendship between the Sumi and Yimkhiung communities. Dr. Vihuto Assumi, president of Sümi Hoho, who attended as the tribal guest, announced that both communities have agreed to organise a friendship event once every three years, alternately at Zunheboto and Shamator headquarters, to further strengthen bonds and mutual understanding.
The event marked the culmination of several days of cultural showcases, traditional performances, and inter-community interaction under the Mini Hornbill initiative of the Government of Nagaland.
Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, MLA, graced the occasion as special guest. The programme was hosted by Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, and compered by Dokingla and Alun L. Khiungru.
The ceremony began with an invocation by Dr. Jeeseha, literature secretary of YBBA, followed by a welcome address from Makezho, executive chairman of the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC). Cultural performances included a folk song by Chessore village and a folk fusion presentation by Fusion Ensemble, enthralled the audience, reflecting the richness of Yimkhiung traditions.
In his address, Dr. Sukhato described the Mini Hornbill Festival as a meaningful initiative to bring Naga heritage closer to the people. He said Tsüngkamnyo, celebrated after the harvest season, symbolises gratitude, harmony, generosity, and togetherness, when communities share food, songs, and dances to strengthen social bonds.
He emphasised that Yimkhiung culture has always been preserved through daily life, customs, values, and oral traditions, and urged the younger generation to carry forward their heritage with pride. Festivals, he noted, foster social cohesion, promote harmony, celebrate diversity, and contribute to economic growth by attracting visitors and supporting local livelihoods.
Acknowledging the presence of Dr. Assumi, Dr. Sukhato recalled the long-standing relationship between the Sumi and Yimkhiung communities, citing milestones such as the translation of the Gospels into the Yimkhiung dialect with Sumi support, the Sumi–Yimkhiung friendship meet at Chessore in 1996, and the cultural exchange programme in 2017. He also appreciated Keoshu Yimkhiung for hosting the festival in Shamator district and lauded the state government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for promoting cultural initiatives of all recognised Naga tribes.
Addressing the youth, Dr. Sema urged them to remain rooted in values of respect, integrity, compassion, and unity while embracing education and opportunities in a fast-changing world. He called upon elders and leaders to guide young people with patience and wisdom, stressing that progress and tradition grow strongest when they move together.
The programme also featured heritage presentations including Khungpi by Hanjila S (Shamator Town), Athrong Khün by Khongsa Village, and Yimlukhi Yakli Huhpü by Tsasher Village.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Alula Z. Thsanso, co-convener, and a closing prayer by Yimto, pastor of YBC Tuensang Town.