Lotha community celebrated Tokhü Emong, the post-harvest festival, with traditional fervour on Sunday.
The main event of Tokhü Emong-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival was held at Wokha with advisor, Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest.
On the occasion, Yanthan highlighted the significance of celebrating the festival and reminded the gathering to carry forward the practices of ancestors, who were brave and truthful.
He said that the Lothas need to transform their lives and go back to the olden days of the ancestors and expressed his desire to prioritise and promote the culture and tradition.
He also encouraged the Lothas to be iconic leaders and show exemplary to the Naga community.
Emphasizing on Naga economy, Yanthan said that Naga economy was based on agriculture, for which he stressed on adopting the new technology.
The advisor said that apart from conducting a mini hornbill festival for all tribes, the state is all geared up to celebrate mega Hornbill Festival, “festival of festivals” after a gap of one year due to the pandemic.
He therefore urged the gathering to take more precautions and get vaccinated.
Citing Wokha district as a land of history where earlier the elders and leaders form the first Trible Council came together with vision and goals that led to the formation of Naga National Council (NNC) at Wokha district, he reminded the gathering that “we shall not leave in the past glory”.
On the prevailing border issues, he said that the government was continuously working for the welfare of the people.
He also called upon all the stakeholders to come forward and work closer with the state government to expedite and explore the oil and nature gas at Champang, Wokha.
The programme also witness Tokhü song from Nchumbemo Erui, traditional dance from Rengma Cultural Troupe (Tesophenyu Village) and N. Longidang Village Cultural Troupe.
Earlier, the programme chaired by vice chairman Lotha Hoho, S. Mhonlumo Lotha began with an invocation by Rev. Fr. John Ntonse Lotha.
Welcome address was delivered by treasurer, Lotha Hoho, Renoponthung Ezung.
The meaning of Tokhü Emong festival was shared by ex-chairman L, Mhao Humtsoe while Tokhu Emong blessing prayer was said by pastor Longsa Baptist Church, Rev. L.K Tsanglao.
During the evening session, the declaration of singing event of Tokhü Emong was declared open by DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha as the special guest.
Padumpukhuri: Lotha community of Padumpukhuri Village also observed Tokhu Emong festival under the theme “togetherness” which coincided with the silver jubilee celebrations of the community.
MLA, 3 Dimapur III A/C, Azheto Zhimomi, who graced the festival as special guest, also unveiled the jubilee monolith.
Extending jubilee and festival greetings, Azheto encouraged Lotha community of Padumpukhuri to retrospect the past and acknowledged and honoured the pioneers and move forward with positive approach for the betterment of the society.
Speaking about his strong emotional bonding of brotherhood with Lothas right from his school days, he said “we are living in a cosmopolitan place and in the larger interest of the society in general we must maintain unity and brotherhood with all other communities”.
On the Naga people’s long desired solution to Naga political problem, Azheto said that “Nagaland state legislators are sincerely committed towards finding long lasting solution” and therefore, all the legislators though remaining under different political parties, have come under one umbrella to voice out in unison and to work together to achieve the long desired wish of the Naga people.
He said it was not the responsibility of leaders or national workers alone but the moral responsibility of entire Naga people to play a role in one’s own capacity to unite all Naga people and groups and make a clarion call to the Government of India to respect the rights and demand of the Nagas.
Village council chairman of Padumpukhuri, Aheto Yeptho also exhorted the gathering with jubilee and festival greetings.
He called upon the members of Lotha community to play a pivotal role in bringing about positive changes in the society.
Azheto Zhimomi was accompanied by host of NPF party workers of Dimapur district and Dimapur III assembly constituency.
DIPHUPAR ‘A’: Joining the rest of the Lotha Community, Diphupar ‘A’ Church Colony Lotha residents celebrated Tokhu Emong, the premier festival of the Lotha with fun and fervour at the New Church compound Diphupar.
In the programme, EdangoTsanglao narrated folktales while children showcased the rich traditional Lotha attires under the guidance of Wonchibeni Ngullie, Melody Khuvung and Eyilobeni Ngullie.
Folksong was presented by female elders under the leadership of CNY director, Ajano Patton and Janpeni Ovung.
Rev. Limhathung Lotha, Pastor, Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar pronounced the Tokhu blessing prayer while Mosa Patton invoked the opening prayer.
The programme was chaired by Elliey Humstoe while chairman Lotha Community Diphupar, Zubenthung Patton proposed the vote of thanks.
MKWTB: Moilan Khel Wophang Taro Bosti (MKWTB) Karbianglong Assam celebrated the festival.
On the occasion, significance of the festival was highlighted by Rhanlamo Ovung.
Earlier, our ancestors celebrated the day for nine days but now it celebrated for seven or a day according to the convenient of their time, he said.
Exhortation was delivered by Thungso Humtsoe wherein he encouraged the gathering to reconcile, retrospect, to have a peaceful environment by coordinating with one another.
A blessing prayer was said by A Thungjabemo Ovung while a special song was presented by Eloe Okho, financial report was presented by Ramongo Ovung and later vote of thanks was delivered by Tokhu chairman T. Yansathung Ovung. (Staff Reporter)
Rilan village: Lotha community of Rilan village also celebrated the festival by organizing traditional games and sports reviving the culture and traditions of the community on October 6, at the village.
Highlights of the event included singing of traditional songs and dance which was actively participated by both parents and children.
The games included pole climbing, indigenous go-karting, fire making and catapult shooting etc.