Tsungremmong, one of the premiere festivals of the Ao community, was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety at Salang Lenden, Longsa village here on Friday. The festival, organized by the Longsa village council under the patronage of state tourism department, was graced by Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker Toiho Yeptho as chief guest.
Speaking at the celebration programme, Yeptho said that festival was a time to invoke the blessing of the creator and it was also a time of brotherhood among communities for peace and prosperity.
He maintained that the tribalism mindset was the root cause of all the problems in Naga society. He said that unless and until tribalism was rooted out, the Naga society would not prosper. NLA deputy speaker, therefore, urged all “to fight against this disease that infects our society.”
Longsa village being a pioneering village in Nagaland, producing host of prominent public leaders and Bureaucrats, the chief guest expressed hope that the blessings continued for generations to come. He also called upon the Aos, as pioneers, to lead in inculcating the spirit of oneness and brotherhood amongst the Nagas.
The celebration was attended by a host of leaders including minister Metsubo Jamir, Limaonen Chang, MLA, Benei M. Lamthui, MLA, and Pongshi Phom, MLA, besides others. Delivering a short speech on the occasion, Metsubo Jamir reminded not to forget that every day was a thanksgiving day for all the blessing. He added that a thanksgiving nation lives in peace and prosperity. “Lett us not forget the love and blessings that we got from each other,” Jamir added.
Benei M. Lamthiu, MLA, in his short speech, called upon all to live for good, saying “we never know what we have after it is gone from our hand”. R. Lepden Lkr, Ex-MLA, and Ongpangkong Mungdang president Lipokmeren Jamir also delivered short speeches on the occasion.
Earlier, in the day, traditional pulling of vine (Arr Atsutsu) was held where the chief guest along with his colleagues, Metsubo Jamir, minister RD & SIRD, Benei M Lamthiu MLA, Limaonen Chang MLA, Pongshi Phom MLA, Govt. officials and villagers.
Other highlights of the programme included Cultural display by Longsa Watsu Telen – Aluyimer ken (Farmer’s song), Antipong Rara (Cock fight) by Lion Club, Traditional Sport, Eagle Club, Cultural dance Sapotimi village, Amen ken (Folk song) Longdi yimsen Yimsusur and Tug-of-War between Shijen Zunga-Watemdong, Salu, Sensu & Aosungkum. The program culminated with a Tsungremmong feast and ‘Kimak’ follows throughout the evening.