Zhaleo Rio bat for staying connected with roots

January 8, 2025 2 Views No Comment

Chakhesang tribal festival Thuni held in Zhavame

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 8

Nagaland’s Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Advisor Zhaleo Rio called upon the Chakhesang community to preserve and promote its rich culture and traditions.

Gracing Thuni, the Chakhesang tribal festival on January 6 in Zhavame village under Phek district, he said that the district deserve its brand name as “The Land of Tradition” for its rich culture and traditions.

Zhaleo also praised the community for its colourful dresses, songs, dances and ornaments.

Meanwhile, he maintained that Hornbill Festival Hornbill Festival has become a mega festival in India and gained global stature and has not only promoting the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Nagas but hugely contributed to the growth of tourism industry, thereby boosting the economy.

In this, the Advisor called upon the people to stay attached to their culture and always keep in touch with their root.

He also stressed on the need to teach children about the culture and traditions from a young age so they can carry on the legacy into the future.

Be more honest and transparent: Azo
Also addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu called upon the Chakhesang community to be more honest and transparent in all their dealings and “not compromise with our unity in order to strengthen the entire Naga brotherhood for a better Nagaland.”

He was also optimistic that Nagas will one day achieve its aspiration of sovereignty.

‘Our forefathers had laid down their lives for sovereignty, therefore we must demand sovereignty from Government of India,’ he said.

Stressing on the need to maintain accountability and transparency, Azo also called upon the people to speak the truth and uphold the rich culture and traditions.

Sharing greetings, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President Medovi Rhi exhorted for reaffirming ‘commitment to unity in diversity.’ “Let us uphold the expectation of our elders and ensure that our religion, faith and customs are cherished in their rightful places,” he said. “May we always remain true to our roots while embracing the future with open hearts.”

This Thuni festival was organised by Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) in collaboration with Nagaland’s tourism department with Razeba Public Organization (RPO) as the host and commenced with village walk from Public Amphitheatre (Pame Tsüdu) to Local Ground.

It also featured folk song from Khumai village (Tunggam), folk dance by Soraphung village (Krowemi) and Ri Doii (Warrior’s dance) by Zhavame village.

The programme was followed by Thuni feast and cultural competition led by Chakhesang Mothers’Association (CMA) General Secretary Kezevinuo Krome. Officials from Sumi Hoho and Angami Public Organization also graced the festival.

About Thuni
Thuni is a festival of New Harvest. It is celebrated by the Chakhesang tribe, predominantly by the people of Razeba Range under Phek district. ‘Thu’ literally means ‘new’ or ‘fresh’ and ‘ni’ stands for festival. Hence it is a celebration of new things whether it comes in the form of fruits, vegetables or paddy.

Thuni is a time when people offer their gratitude to the supreme God for blessing them with a bountiful harvest and good health all throughout the year.

Celebration of Thuni is preceded by pushing down of big pile of firewood (Sükho) and subsequently making a bonfire out of it signifying originality, peace purity and equity.