Hundreds of people young and old thronged Solidarity Park Kohima and celebrated Tokhu Emong, the premier festival of the Lotha community which is also an occasion to impart historical and cultural lessons to the younger generations to keep them abreast of their history, culture and identity at the Solidarity Park Kohima Thursday.
The master host of the celebration was minister forest, Forest and Border affairs Y. Patton and DIG prison Thechamo Ezung as elder of Tokhvu Festival.
Extending Tokhu greetings to the gatherings Patton acknowledged the gatherings for congregating with traditional attires signifying the unity of the Lotha community and urged to stand united not only during festivals but also in all the occasions.
Tokhu Emong being a festival of celebration, forgiveness and building the bond of relationship among the community, Patton also sought forgiveness to the gathering if he had committed any wrong doing against any individual.
Stating that ‘clanism’ will not help anyone to grow higher, Patton appealed to do away with ‘ism’ as that would only create hatred among the community.
Elder of Tokhu Emong, Thechamo Ezung said Wokha district was rightly tagged as ‘land of plenty’, as the district had fertile land for cultivation and also had the potential to lead the rest of the Nagas. He however regretted that ‘we’ failed to discover the richness of ‘our’ land.
Speaking on the significant of the festival, commissioner secretary Y. Kikon said Tokhu Emong has been regarded as the biggest and grandest festival that was celebrated across every households and villages. He said Tokhu Emong literally means a “feasting holiday.”
Special songs were presented by Meribeni (Zares) Ezung, Y. M Lotha, Nzan A Kikon while president LGOA Ramongo Jami, Chierperson KLEE Nzamongi Ezung and chairperson IRCS, Abeni TCK delivered Tokhvu greetings on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Dr. P Ngullie, while Kohima Lotha Hoho vice chairman Jonas Yanthan delivered the welcome address. Associate pastor, KLBC K. Benry Lotha pronounced invocation prayer while Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso, online missionary said dedicatory prayer.
The second session was followed by cultural presentations and indigenous games and competition on various activities.
Wokha: Tohku Emong the festival of the Kyong (Lotha) was celebrated with gaiety in Wokha with MLA Dr.T.M. Lotha who graced the function as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said Tokhu Emong was celebrated to showcase cultural and traditional identity of the Lothas.
He urged the community to preserve culture and uphold traditional values so that the world would “recognize and know who we really are.”
The MLA said that on the occasion, all should join hands and rededicate themselves and be a part of the fast changing world.
C. Zumomo of Elumyo village spoke briefly on the significance of Tokhu Emong. Kyong Hoho president Yansathung Jami chaired the function while Dr. Rev. E. Nrio Ezung, Executive Secretary KBES invoked God blessing.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Kying Hoho vice president K.S.Ngullie. Inter colony tug-of –war competition was also held on Thursday to mark the festival.
Bhandari: In Bhandari, minister for youth resources & sports Merentoshi R. Jamir while speaking at the celebration of Tokhu Emong emphasized on unity among the Nagas for all round development of the state.
Addressing the 34th Bhandari town Tokhu Emong festival, the minister said all the festivals of Nagaland were celebrated to bring unity among all sections of people.
He stated that festival time was not only for merriment but also for teaching values. “Tomorrow, it will be us to teach our culture to the next generation”, he reminded.
The minister also assured establishing sporting infrastructure in Wokha district at the earliest and said Bhandari and Ralan areas would also be given top priority in his programme.
MLA and MARCOFED chairman Mmhonlumo Kikon, the host of Tokhu extended Tokhu greetings and refreshed the memories of the gathering on the legendary spirit of brotherhood that Lotha and Ao communities shared and re-affirmed that relationship would become stronger.
He further pointed out that Bhandari constituency produced some of the best sportspersons in Wokha district and observed that with proper development of sports infrastructure, human resources would be developed to its full potential.
As part of Tokhu festival, agri department put up stalls exhibiting various agri products.C ultural songs, dances, modern songs also marked the celebration. GB Rhanlamo Kikon spoke on the significance of Tokhu Emong.
A friendly football match between MLA eleven and LLRPO eleven was also held adding more colors to the festival.
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