Nagaland: Tungjoy village celebrates ‘Glory Day’

Tungjoy (Veymai) village celebrated its Glory Day under the motto “Avei-Atro (Glory)” with a two-day programme held at Tungjoy Local Ground, Senapati, Manipur. The inaugural session on Sunday was graced by Timikha Koza, president of Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO), as chief guest, and Veziihii Keyho, president of Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), as guest of honour.
In his address, Koza highlighted the cultural unity of the ten Tenyimi tribes, cautioning against divisive forces that threaten their solidarity. He urged the people to preserve forests and water resources, noting the ecological importance of the Barak River and lamenting the decline of hornbills due to deforestation. Calling for tree plantation and conservation, he exhorted the gathering to uphold unity, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
Guest of honour, Veziihii Keyho lauded the villagers for preserving their rich cultural heritage through such celebrations. He said Glory Day was an occasion to glorify God and remember His blessings, while also strengthening faith, identity and unity. He recalled the tradition of elders blessing villagers before sowing seeds, stressing their role as pillars for future generations. Keyho also commended the settlement of past land disputes and urged amicable resolution of differences.
He praised the Friendship Treaty between Tungjoy and three Nagaland villages—Leshemi, Lashumi and Zapami—and encouraged youth to pursue education without forgetting their roots, while elders were urged to lead by righteous example.
Earlier, in his welcome address, chairman of the event Th. Daniel informed that Tungjoy Glory Day (Veymai Teithe) is celebrated annually on January 4 and 5. He said the celebration was a reaffirmation of values of equality, justice, virtue, honesty and simplicity for harmonious living. The day also marked gratitude to the Supreme Deities through dance, song and storytelling, while heralding the end of Thouni (New Year) festival and the onset of spring, reminding farmers to return to the fields.
The programme featured cultural presentations including cotton spinning, traditional Yohoing and work chants. The second day was scheduled to witness competitions in folk songs, war cries and jaw harp performances.