With Nagaland known as the ‘Land of festivals’, parliamentary secretary for Rural Development (RD) and REPA C L John Thursday called upon the Nagas not only to celebrate and indulge in feasting but also to forgive each other in the festive spirit to usher in peace.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of multipurpose building-cum-celebration of Ahuna festival Thursday at Chekiye village public ground here, C L John said one should not wait for jubilees to forgive but should initiate while celebrating festivals.
Asserting one must “revive” one’s life though the celebration of festivals, the parliamentary secretary said festivals should be a time when one should retrospect, right their wrongs and seek forgiveness.
Pointing out Chekiye village as one of one of the biggest and important villages in the state, he asked the Sümi inhabitants to be torchbearers in initiating oneness amongst the Naga family.
Describing Sümi tribe as the “bura” of the Naga society, C L John urged them to lead the Naga society so as to have an “emotional integration” amongst all the Naga inhabited areas.
Lamenting that Naga society has been tormented with “isms”, “clan-ism”, “colonialism”, “individualism” etc. for over 30 years, CL John said Sümis should create a platform for all Nagas to come together in peace.
Highlighting the need for “permanent peace” in the state, he said it cannot be brought by “outsiders” whether from “America or Delhi” but that it should be initiated by “you and me.”
Also, pointing out that various kinds of “taxation” could only be reduced with permanent peace in the state, he said peace would also bring development in the state.
While appreciating Chekiye village council and village development board for the construction of multipurpose building, C L John said such construction was not only an example for the village but for the whole Nagaland to emulate.
It may be noted that Chekiye village multipurpose building comprising of 13 rooms and a customary court has been constructed under the convergence of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), GIA and MP fund.
Earlier, the multipurpose building was inaugurated by the parliamentary secretary and dedicated by Chekiye Village Baptist Church (CVBC) Pastor Toluho.
The Ahuna celebration commenced with an invocation by CVBC associate Pastor Nivukhu Zhimo followed by welcome address by head GB, Chekiye C Hokhupu Zhimomi.
Significance of Ahuna festival was said by former chairman of CVC, S Atomi Swu while vote of thanks was proposed by member CVC Kakheli Zhekheto and benediction by women leader CVBC Hokali Robert. The entire celebration was chaired by CVC chairman Toiho Yeptho.
Ahuna festival was marked by cultural presentation by Chekiye village women cultural troupe and men folk from aqhasah. The gathering was also enthralled with Sümi traditional games.
A booklet on implementation of major schemes under MGNREGA (2008-13) at Chekiye village, RD block-Chumukedima was also presented to the parliamentary secretary and the gathering. Later, a scrumptious Ahuna feast marked the end of the grand celebration.
Sumi community Valley View: Marking the occasion of Ahuna festival with colourful cultural celebration in the spirit of unity, the Sumi community of Valley View, Dimapur observed the post harvest festival Thursday, with Pikuto Shohe, GB Valley View as Ahuna Papuh (Ahuna Father).
Speaking on the occasion, Pikuto Shohe said the celebration symbolized the blessing and the joy of sharing.
He was of the view that no community can prosper with pride and selfishness and such was the occasion to retrospect and continue to uphold spirit of togetherness among the community that had brought the people together to celebrate the occasion.
Also, addressing the gathering, Kihevi Murru, CPO, ICDP Zunheboto greeted the community on the occasion and shared some significance of the festival.
The community members proclaimed merry making through the tunes of folksongs presented by youth, men and women groups.
Competitions of various cultural games and cooking rice in a bamboo were conducted during the day.
More than 100 families participated in the celebration organized by STH Valley View. Celebration prayer was pronounced by Pastor Kaito Achumi. Function was chaired by Kittoli Chishi, president STH Valley View.
Akatoli Achumi, secretary STH Valley View recorded the event. Hovili Chophy proposed vote thanks while Aloli Swu said the benediction.
Aotsakilimi: Descendants of Aotsakilimi scattered across eastern and western Sumi areas in Nagaland along with the in-laws celebrated Ahuna Festival that marked the dawn of Sumi Cultural New Year and renewal of life with reinvigorated Christian understanding of spirituality and gender equality in post-modernity.
Aotsakilimi village residents of Dimpaur, Aotsakilimi Union Dimapur (AUD) celebrated Ahuna festivity at the residence of Khekishe (Martin) Shikhu at Diphupar, 4th mile, Dimapur November 14.
The event started with Khezheto Achumi, Asst. Pastor, Thilixu Baptist Akukuhou invoking God’s presence and blessing for the event followed by exhortation by Mghato Achumi.
Er. Kihoto Achumi spoke on the cultural significance of Ahuna Festival in olden days and the need for new understanding in for present generation and posterity.
“As our forefathers purified themselves on Ahuna to mark a new year and new cultivation by cleansing from well we can replicate those practises by fasting and prayer to call upon God for blessing and guidance” he added.
Hovukhu villagers presented a folk song, Tokheho Shikhu displayed Ahuna sakiqhi (an act of casting a lot by using a bamboo vessel that was earlier used to cooking newly harvested paddy), Lashito Achumi proposed the vote of thanks, and Juliet K. Shikhu, Pastor, Dimapur Town Sumi Baptist Church pronounced the benediction.
The next celebration of Ahuna cum silver jubilee of the Aotsakilimi Union Dimapur (AUD) will be hosted by Er. Vihokhe Shikhu, Sugar Mill, 5th mile.
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