Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 1 (NPN): The spirit of unity and cultural pride marked the celebration of the Tsüngremmung Festival 2026 across Mokokchung district on Saturday. At the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, the festival was organised by Ao Senden with traditional fervour and gaiety, graced by Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir as chief guest. Meanwhile, the Longsa Village Council, under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, hosted the festival at Salang Lenden, Longsa, showcasing grandeur and cultural vibrancy.
Mokokchung: The Tsungremmung Festival, organised by Ao Senden, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety on Friday at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, with Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Supongmeren urged the people to understand the sanctity of the festival, which was observed by their ancestors in gratitude for a bountiful harvest. He said Tsungremmung was not merely a festival but a celebration honouring God and the land that sustains life, and called on the people to preserve and nurture their traditional values and practices.
Touching on the state’s political situation, he said people should not be overly judgmental of elected leaders, asserting that the problem lay with the system rather than individuals. He stressed that if the people embraced the ethos of clean elections, Nagaland would be led by honest and visionary leaders.
Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, and Mokokchung Municipal Council chairman Imkongchuba A. also addressed the gathering, while Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong delivered the welcome address.
The programme was chaired by AKM president Lanulemba. Cultural performances were presented by Watsu Mungdang, Ao Lanur Telongjem and Watemdong Cultural Club, Ungma. The invocation was offered by Ngati Baptist Church pastor Sentiyanger, while K. Imtitoba pronounced the benediction.
Alempang Ward emerged champions in the traditional Tsungremmung tug-of-war competition by defeating Salangtem Ward.
Longsa: The Longsa Village Council celebrated the Tsüngremmung Festival 2026 with grandeur and cultural vibrancy at Salang Lenden, Longsa on Saturday under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The event was graced by prominent leaders including Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, Metsübo Jamir as chief host; advisor for Land Resources & MLA, G. Ikuto Zhimomi as guest of honour and advisor for Youth Resources & Sports & MLA, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung as honoured guest. Also, present were MLA Benei M. Lamthiu, district administration officials, party leaders and village representatives from Mokokchung, Tuensang and Zunheboto districts, alongside a large gathering of villagers.
The festivities commenced with the Arr Atsütsü, a ceremonial vine-pulling procession where villagers carried the sacred vine from Sangpu (A Khel) to the festival venue. This symbolic act set the tone for the day’s celebrations, reflecting the deep agricultural and spiritual roots of the festival.
Honoured guest S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his address, emphasized that the true essence of festivals lies in seeking divine blessings, fostering peace and strengthening unity. He urged the community to preserve meaningful traditions while discarding practices irrelevant to modern times. Reflecting on Naga history, Yimkhiung recalled the unity that once bound different tribes together, which played a crucial role in achieving Nagaland’s statehood in 1963. He lamented the divisions that have since weakened collective strength and called on individuals to rebuild unity and peace for a stronger future.
Yimkhiung also highlighted the evolution of Tsüngremmung with the advent of Christianity and education, encouraging the youth to uphold the positive values of their forefathers. He praised Longsa Village for its consistent leadership, noting its legacy of producing MLAs and Ministers and commended Mokokchung’s historical role in supporting communities across Nagaland.
Guest of honour G. Ikuto Zhimomi extended greetings and underscored that tribal festivals are integral to Naga identity, rooted in agriculture and passed down through generations. He described pre-harvest festivals like Tsüngremmung as not merely celebratory occasions but vital platforms for preserving history, traditions and cultural values while strengthening social bonds.
Zhimomi stressed the importance of cultural preservation, noting that festivals promote traditional arts, crafts, music and dance. He encouraged the younger generation to take pride in safeguarding their heritage, adding that Nagaland’s growing tourism sector could benefit significantly from showcasing Ao community attire, crafts, and practices. He further remarked that Nagaland’s recognition as the Land of Festivals and the global prominence of the Hornbill Festival are possible because tribes continue to preserve and celebrate their indigenous traditions.
Chief host Metsübo Jamir and MLA & advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozukum also conveyed greetings and shared brief messages, reinforcing the importance of unity and cultural pride.
The celebration featured vibrant performances by the Sangphur Village Cultural Troupe (Yimkhiung) and the Surumi Village Cultural Troupe (Sümi). Traditional events such as a cockfight, indigenous games and a tug-of-war between Züngalepzük and the Longsa Village Council added excitement to the festivities.
Earlier, Noklenrenba Tatar spoke on the significance of Tsüngremmung, while the Longsa Village Council presented a folk song. The programme also included a Farmers’ Song by Longsa Watsü Telen and cultural presentations by winners of the July 31 cultural competition, showcasing the richness of Ao traditions.