Thetsumi Village in Phek district commemorated 80 years of its unique and meaningful tradition of mass marriages with the solemnization of 12 couples on December 17, 2024.
This longstanding practice, which combines faith, simplicity, and communal spirit, began on April 2, 1944, when four couples were united in holy matrimony amidst the chaos of World War II.
Kedutse Lasuh, a centenarian and the sole surviving participant of the first mass marriage, vividly recounted the ceremony officiated by Suluho Keyho, the first evangelist of the Chakhesang community.
On that fateful day in 1944, Lasuh and his wife, late Kapounei-ü, along with three other couples, took their vows in a simple yet heartfelt ceremony. The day was interrupted by an exchange of gunfire between British and Japanese forces, forcing villagers, including the newlyweds, to flee into the jungle for safety.
Lasuh shared that the number of Christian believers in the village at the time was between 30 and 50. The celebration included a community feast rather than monetary transactions, highlighting the solidarity and simplicity that defined the era. Reflecting on the past, Lasuh shared pride in the legacy of his village and the tradition that has strengthened bonds within the community.
Christianity was embraced by Thetsumi Village on February 12, 1940, and the first recorded Christian marriage took place in 1942. Over time, mass marriage ceremonies were institutionalized by the village church in 1984 to address practical challenges, including the shortage of licensed ministers and the high costs of individual weddings.
Post-1984, the tradition became an annual event, held on a designated date each year—December 17. Couples register their intent to marry well in advance, allowing the church and community to plan and organize the event efficiently.
The practice includes a shared financial contribution from each couple to cover the costs of the ceremony.
This year, each couple contributed Rs. 60,000, which covered ceremony expenses, a communal feast, and other logistical needs.
The practice has evolved with the times, reflecting societal advancements and changes in priorities. It has expanded to include inter-community unions while maintaining its cultural and religious significance. Rituals are conducted in the Khezha dialect after extensive pre-counseling sessions, ensuring that couples understand the sacredness of their commitment.
Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh, Senior Pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima (CBCK) and officiating minister for this year’s ceremony, explained that the tradition is deeply rooted in Christian principles. He described marriage as a holy covenant, emphasizing that the focus of the ceremony is on the sanctity of matrimony rather than outward celebrations. The tradition underscores the values of humility, faith, and community while fostering an environment of reverence and shared responsibility.
“Christian marriage emphasizes asking for blessings from God, the church, and family. It is less about celebratory feasting and more about honoring the sanctity of marriage in a holy sanctuary,” Rev. Dr. Lasuh remarked.
The role of families and the community in this tradition is significant. The church oversees every detail of the event, from pre-marital counseling to organizing the feast for attendees. In keeping with the tradition, the first couple to consent to a mass wedding is given the honor of suggesting the officiating minister.
Mass marriages in Thetsumi are seen as a practical and meaningful alternative to the growing trend of extravagant, individual weddings. They alleviate financial burdens, foster a sense of unity, and discourage materialistic approaches to marriage. Senior villagers expressed pride in the younger generation for upholding the practice, which has simplified the marriage process while preserving cultural pride.
The elder members of the community highlighted how the practice instills values of responsibility and humility in the younger generation. One elder remarked, “The introduction of mass marriage has made the process of honorable marriages simpler. It is heartening to see young people uphold this tradition as believers and prioritize faith over extravagance.”
Thetsumi’s mass marriage tradition is now recognized as a model of cultural preservation and social practicality. It has inspired similar practices among neighboring villages and communities, though none have adopted it as extensively as Thetsumi. The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) has been instrumental in promoting simplicity in weddings, encouraging member churches to follow a model code that discourages excessive spending and emphasizes shared responsibility.