In a significant cultural milestone for the Rengma community, the Rengma Heritage Village ‘Khwenphen’ was inaugurated on April 12 at a ceremonial function held at the heritage complex, located near Kashanyu village, around 10 kilometres from Tseminyu town.
The heritage village, an initiative of the Kasha Lorin Village Union, was conceptualised to preserve and honour the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Rengma people. The proposal was later endorsed by the Rengma Hoho during its executive meeting.
Er. Tesinlo Semy, president of the Rengma Hoho, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. In his address, Semy emphasised the importance of unity and mutual respect within the community, stating that progress could only be achieved through collective effort rooted in traditional values.
He further urged the gathering to uphold the virtues of discipline, honesty, and integrity, which he said were hallmarks of the forefathers. Earlier in the morning, a monolith stone at the site was dedicated by Rev. Ch. Wahi and unveiled by the guest of honour, marking the formal inauguration of the heritage village.
The programme was also attended by representatives from various Rengma frontal organisations, including the Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA), Rengma Students’ Union (RSZ), Rengma GB Forum, and Rengma Chairman Forum. Leaders from these bodies delivered brief speeches, all reiterating the significance of preserving ancestral history and fostering unity among all sections of the Rengma community.
A brief history of Khwenphen:
According to local oral tradition, Khwenphen is considered the first established Rengma village. The name derives from the wild banana plants—Tekhwen, locally known in short as Khwen—that once densely covered the area. Upon clearing the vegetation, the ancestors named the settlement Khwenphen, meaning “village of wild banana.”
The original settlers included prominent leaders such as Kasha, Kito, Tsopoe, Tsemi, Senden, and Thongsü. Clans like Tepenyu (Tep), Semvünyenyu (Semy), Khingjonyu (Khing), Sebunyu (Seb), Sempfünyu (Semp), Thongsünyu (Thong), and Nyenthonyu resided together in Khwenphen. Historical accounts also suggest that not only Rengmas but also some Lotha and Sema groups once lived at Khwenphen before dispersing to establish their own villages. As part of this dispersal, Senden and Thongsü migrated westward to found Sendenyu and Thongsü villages, respectively.
Tsemi led a group to establish Tseminyu village, while Khasü moved further north after initially settling at Tsegwenyuphen (present-day NAP Camp, Tseminyu). Tsopoe settled in Akuk village in the Lotha area. Kasha, the village head, was the last to leave, eventually settling in Lolaphenyu (present-day area from GHS Kasha to Phenwhenyu village) along with Kito. With the inauguration of the Khwenphen Heritage Village, the Rengma community has taken a major step toward reviving its ancestral roots and safeguarding its identity for future generations.