Bridging Borders through Culture

January 8, 2025 3 Views No Comment

2-day Thuni, Chakhesang Tribal Festival concludes

Morung Express News
Zhavame | January 8

Underscoring the importance of building brotherhood and relationship across borders, Losü Dikho, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Manipur on Tuesday remarked that tribal festivals like Thuni bring people together, enable them to know each other and come closer together as a people.

Addressing the cultural programme of Thuni on the two-day Chakhesang Tribal Festival that is as observed at Zhavame Village from January 6-7, he stressed on the importance of “building brotherhood and relationship”. “I am proud to have our people and brothers across the borders. We are thrilled to see the participation of our people”, he also remarked.

Mention may be made here that Thuni is predominantly celebrated by the people of Razeba area comprising of 4 villages and by the Poumai Nagas in Manipur. Recollecting an instance in 2007 wherein the NSF Conference was held in his area and the cultural troupe from Chakhesang Students’ Union performed despite having to wait in the rain for one hour, MLA Losü Dikho, stated appreciation for their “dedication and commitment”.

“We are proud to have you as our brothers”, he reiterated while putting across that, “you have also provided leadership in your community, politically, socially and religiously, and are respected and recognised by people.” The reason for Chakhesang people to remain strong in their commitment and vision, he maintained is their faith in Christ and belief in unity.

Stating his dream and vision to establish a stronger relationship and live as blessed people of God, he appreciated the tribe’s support and contribution in many areas.

Addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, J. Kumo Sha, MLA, Government of Manipur, stated appreciation to the Chakhesang Public Organisation for accommodating Thuni as one of the Chakhesang festivals although predominantly celebrated by the people in the Razeba area and also thanked the Nagaland government for including it as a Restricted holiday in the government calendar.

“You are bridging us in very good ways, and building relationship with Manipur”, he remarked while appreciating how the tribe has been preserving the richness of their culture. However, in this connection, he also asserted that more than the richness of culture and tradition, the richness of the heart is more important.

He also announced that the road project from Pfütsero to Chilo (known as Kilo in Zhavame dialect) has been approved and sacntioned. With such initiative, he said that, “we can build greater coordination” while underscoring that, “we have to be the human bridge for different communities and especially for our neighbouring state, Manipur and Nagaland.”

Earlier, he also released a historical book of the village, titled “Voyage to the Chronicles of Zhavame”. The 260-paged book covers the origin and settlement of the village and contains lunar calander administrative system, contribution of the village to the Naga freedom struggle, places of importance, details and history of embracing Christianity in the village among others.

In his closing Remarks, Deo Movi, President of Razeba Public Organisation (RPO), who was also the chairperson for the cultural programme noted that the people of Chakhesang tribe speak different languages. However, he urged that, “in the name of Chakhesang Thuni, let us be an example of unity even in the days to come despite of our language differences.” “Let us live as one people, one tribe, one community and we will grow together”, he asserted.

Mention may also be made here that the chief host of the Thuni Cultural programme was Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye. Highlights of the cultural programme included invocation by Rev. Dr. N. Chiero, Senior Pastor, Pfutsero Town Baptist Church, Welcome Address by Vezuhu Keyho, President of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Folk Song by Razeba Cultural Troupe, Greetings by Kekhwengulo Lea, President, Tenyimi Union Nagaland, Hao Hi by Tsüpfüme Village, Warriors Dance by Zelome Menfolk, Special Cultural Performances including folk dance by Razeba, Davo nyo by Zhavame village, folk dance by Tsüpfüme village and folk song by Zelome village, vote of thanks by Vizo Lea, Vice President, RPO while Rev. Vikuo Rhi, Associate Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima pronounced the benediction while Mosa Resuh and Mulirhu Zholia were the comperes.