Message of unity espoused at Kisama

November 8, 2022 34 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 8

The Lotha community of Kohima today celebrated the premier festival of Lotha Nagas ‘Tokhu Emong’ with much pomp and traditional gaiety at Naga Heritage Village Kisama, near Kohima. The need to carrying on the essence of the Festival was underscored by several speakers during the event.

Organized by Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH), the festival was marked by victory dance, folk songs, tug of war, traditional fire making competition etc. Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhüng, Kohima Mekokla Ekhüng, Tsüngiki Cultural Club and others performed at the celebration.

KLH president C Pankathung Lotha welcomed the various tribal hohos leaders and guests at the celebration while acknowledgement was led by KLH general secretary S Chonbemo Lotha.

Rev Dr K Benry Lotha, senior pastor Kohima Lotha Baptist Church, Rev Fr Mhabemo Matthew, parish priest St Francis de Sales Church. Kohima Town and Rev Shan Kikon, pastor, Faith Harvest Church invoked God’s blessing.

‘Lothas must know the root’
Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Wonthungo Tsopoe, Director, School Education Nagaland thanked KLH for bringing the Lotha community together through Tokhu Emong.

“Lothas must know the root so that the future generation will understand the culture and traditions of the Lothas,” he said.

He advised the youngsters not to misuse the traditional attires and also asked them to protect, promote, and preserve the culture and tradition of the Lotha Nagas.

“Be respectful to the leaders, elders so that our society will prosper,” he added.

Also addressing the celebration as the special guest, ex-MP Khyomo Lotha said the post-harvest festival- Tokhu Emong teaches about work culture and celebrating the bountiful harvest.

Tokhu Emong is a time for forgiveness, love and oneness, he said and stressed on the need to maintain the spirit of oneness.

He also called upon the people to join the clean election movement and also not to corrupt the society because of ensuing state general election.

The spirit of Tokhu Emong should not be just one time celebration but the spirit must live on, he added.

‘Let the spirit of Tokhu Emong be the unifying force of the entire Nagas’
Sharing greetings, Kohima Village Council chairperson Helievi-o Solo praised the vibrant tradition of the Lotha community.

Referring to Tokhu Emong, he said “It is a day to celebrate the toils and hard work throughout the year; a day of rest and celebration; a day of harvest and strengthening communities.”

“The globalization of the world means we are duty-bound to ensure that the value of our heritage is not only protected but developed so as to protect our rich culture,” Solo said.

Stating that our role as the present generation is straightforward, he said “We must strengthen the practice of transmitting traditional knowledge from one generation to the next and let it not become a custom of the past.”

Thanking the starring role that the Lotha community played when Kohima Village was burned down during World War II, Solo said, “You came forward and donated supplies and materials to help us rebuild our homes. Your selfless act of kindness will forever be embedded in our history and looked upon as a precedent for courage and heroism.”

Now more than ever we need to come together and unify as Nagas, not just Lothas and Angamis, he said,
He also stressed on the need to do away with tribalism and also should not allow hatred, lies, corruption, manipulation and bitterness to weaken and divide the Nagas.

“Let us put common good above all else so as to live in harmony as Nagas,” he said.

Solo also urged the Naga leaders, change makers and others to leverage “our cultural assets and heritage and ensure that the youth of today are provided with enabling robust ecosystems to work, thrive and set higher standards of quality of life.”

As this festival signifies forgiveness, love and strengthening of community, let the spirit of Tokhu Emong be the unifying force of the entire Nagas, Solo added.

Meanwhile, New Secretariat colony won the tug of war competition while Agri-Forest colony stood second position.

The programme was compered by Dr Mhonthung Yanthan and Dr Caroline Erüi while TOC convenor L Yanremo Mozhüi thanked each and every individual for their active participation and support towards the grand celebration of Tokhu Emong 2022.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/message-of-unity-espoused-at-kisama