DIMAPUR: Upholding its tradition of honouring sisters and women, the Porba village community residing in Kohima celebrated Khukhu Nye (Festival) Saturday at City Centre, Old MLA Hostel, under the aegis of Porbami Social Club Kohima (PSCK) Thunoko Krotho.
Guest of honour, Küthovolü Keyho, PGT Political Science, Government Higher Secondary School Jotsoma, extended festival greetings and lauded the Porbami community for preserving unique practices such as the Khukhu Festival, passed down from ancestors. She acknowledged community leaders for organising the festival in the city and making it accessible to all.
Keyho highlighted Porbami’s legacy of honesty and truthfulness and urged the community to uphold these values. She stressed that wisdom must be coupled with knowledge and encouraged excellence in leadership, sports, business, entrepreneurship, religion and other fields. She emphasised education and knowledge as the greatest gifts parents can give their children, paving the way for future generations.
Calling for equal opportunities without discrimination, she noted that women are breaking barriers and making strides in various fields. She said empowering women requires knowledge, equal opportunities and access to health, which are essential for nurturing families and building a progressive society. She urged girls to dream big, maintain a positive attitude and pursue their goals with sincerity.
Highlighting government schemes for women’s empowerment, she called upon women to participate and derive maximum benefits.
Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) president, Vechisalu Nukhu, extended greetings and expressed delight that the festival holds special significance for women. She informed that CWWS had adopted the Khukhu Festival for celebration across Chakhesang inhabited areas and stressed the need to promote traditional attire, food and indigenous culinary practices. Nukhu also emphasised learning one’s mother tongue and the role of parents in passing on heritage, adding that women play a pivotal role in transmitting culture and traditions to the next generation.
Shekhozo Thüluo, former VCC of Porba, spoke on the origin and significance of the Khukhu Festival. The programme was chaired by Kudulu T Vadeo, chairperson of PWSCK Women Wing. A folk song was presented by Somhi Lüshie Krotho, while a duet was performed by Lutsülü Chiero and Zhozolu. The vote of thanks was delivered by Zhovelu Dzudo.
Rhucho Tureng, retired Registrar, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, offered the invocation prayer, while Huvetsolu Dzudo pronounced the closing prayer. The celebration concluded with feast, merrymaking, traditional games and other activities.
