The three-day Mini Hornbill-cum-Tsokum festival of Khiamniungan tribe came to an end on Friday by show casing vibrant cultures, songs and dances of the Khiamniungan and neighbouring tribes.
According to DIPR, the closing function, hosted by advisor, Fisheries, Evaluation, Economics and Statistics, L.Khumo was addressed by advisor, Information & Public Relations, SCERT and Village Guards, Toshi Wungtung.
In his address, Toshi said that the entire Noklak region is one of the unexplored regions in the state and called for greater efforts to tap the hidden potentials. He said if proper approach was made towards this the entire Noklak region will become a tourist spot in the state. He also shared his reminiscence of the area where he roamed from place to place barefooted during childhood days.
He also informed the gathering that chief minister wanted to attend the festival but due to official engagement. He therefore appealed to the people not to discourage by his absence. Toshi expressed hope that Noklak would be declared as district in the near future.
Advisor DUDA, Bongkhao who also attended the closing program said that the celebration of Tsokum festival has assumed great significance saying it brings unity and forgiveness and burying enmity among the people by sharing and giving.
During the closing function Nokhu Noking village presented a display on how feud arises between two clans or two khels over land thereby leading to physical confrontation and bloodshed involving the entire clans or khels in olden days.
Earlier, ADC Noklak Theodore Yanthan welcomed the special guest and dignitaries.
Earlier, on October 3, advisor Tourism and Art & Culture H.Khehovi, who graced the celebration at public ground Noklak headquarter as special guest, said the PDA government under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio is striving towards making the state, a potential tourist hub in the Northeast.
He said the state government is serious on the preserving the rich traditional culture of the Nagas and efforts are being made towards this end by organising Mini Hornbill festivals in all the districts coinciding with the major festivals of the Nagas.
Stating that Noklak is a land gifted by God, Khehovi called upon the Khiamniungan tribe to make use of the scenic beauty of the land to make Noklak a tourist destination as this would boost the local economy in many ways.
He called upon the Khiamniungan tribe in particular and the tribes of Eastern Nagaland not to consider themselves as “backward” in any way but urged them to develop a “positive frame of mind” in every aspects of their lives adding that God had created humanity in all equality and without discrimination.
Earlier, president KTC, L.Ngon delivered the welcome note and short speech was delivered by president ENPO. Rev.S.Noksa Chiu, executive secretary KBCA proposed the invocation. The inaugural programme was chaired by deputy commissioner Tuensang, L.Jamithung Lotha.
The programme was marked by cultural presentations by various groups.