Ahuna Festival 2026 was celebrated in Satakha and Suruhuto with cultural events, music, and greetings.
DIMAPUR — Ahuna was observed with cultural competitions and musical programmes in Satakha and Suruhuto on Friday.
Aye urges Satakha to keep pace with rest of Nagaland
The 17th edition of the Satakha Area Sports and Cultural Association (SASCA) observed the Ahuna-cum-Cultural Competition at Satakha Public Ground with Minister of Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye as the chief guest.
In his address, Aye noted that sports and cultural activities under SASCA has improved over the years. However, he urged the association and the people of Satakha to make greater efforts to compete with the rest of the Nagas.
Referring to the challenges faced by the people of Satakha due to prolonged insurgency in the past, Aye said Satakha still needs progress and advancement in socio-economic spheres along with the rest of the Naga community. He stated that SASCA has improved with the involvement of the Kükamis and urged them to act as guardians of the people of Satakha.
Aye called upon the people of Satakha to promote a common sense of identity rather than remain divided by ranges or units. He said that if Satakha progresses, its people progress, and if the people progress, Satakha and the Sümi community progress. He urged the gathering to remain united, work with a common vision, and contribute to the progress of the wider Sümi community.
The minister also informed that various projects related to sports and other infrastructure development are in the pipeline. He urged the people of Satakha to extend cooperation so that development reaches all sections at the grassroots level and the desired goals are achieved.
He also suggested that during the Ahuna festival, the traditional Sümi practice of preparing Ahuna rice cooked in bamboo segments should be promoted and shared with participants. He assured his support for promoting Sümi culture and sports so that the community can compete with the rest of the Naga community.
President of SASCA Beto T Jimo, in his presidential address, expressed gratitude to Aye for his commitment and contributions towards the Satakha constituency, particularly his support for SASCA.
Jimo said that, for the first time, people from various ranges of the Satakha constituency, including Satoi Range, Langki Kiliki Tokukujo, and SASCA, observed the Ahuna-cum-Cultural Festival together. He said the joint celebration was in line with the minister’s vision to unify the people of Satakha under a common goal, identity, and aspiration.
He also highlighted the achievement of SASCA participating in various activities at the district and state levels.
Tokavi Achumi calls for unity, cultural preservation
The Sümi Hoho organised an Ahuna Musical Evening at Suruhuto town on Friday, with the Suruhuto Area Public Organisation hosting the programme.
The musical evening was attended by Tokavi Achumi, Commandant of the 8 NAP Battalion, Naltoqa, as the special guest, while Hukiye K Yepthomi, President of the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), attended as the tribal guest.
Delivering his speech as the special guest, Achumi highlighted the spiritual, cultural, social, and environmental significance of Ahuna, calling upon the Sümi community to preserve its traditional values while adapting to changing times.
Speaking on the theme of Ahuna, he described the festival as an expression of collective thanksgiving to God, acknowledging that human labour alone could not bring prosperity without divine providence.
Highlighting the community-building aspect of Ahuna, he said that sharing food, extending hospitality, and caring for neighbours, elders, widows, and the less fortunate are among the festival's defining values.
He further stressed that Ahuna historically served as an occasion for settling misunderstandings, resolving conflicts, and restoring relationships before coming together in celebration. He urged the Sümi community to rise above factionalism, political rivalries, and social divisions, stating that collective prosperity depended on unity, mutual respect, and a strong sense of belonging.
He further cautioned against the growing tendency to commercialise festivals and turn celebrations into displays of wealth and status, stating that such practices could overshadow the original spirit of humility, simplicity, generosity, and gratitude.
Addressing the gathering as the tribal guest, Yepthomi called upon the Sümi community to unite for collective progress and demonstrate a genuine commitment towards positive change.
He further stressed the importance of understanding and supporting leaders, stating that while constructive criticism was necessary, constant criticism without cooperation and support could discourage leadership efforts and hinder progress.
The musical evening featured a performance by the Mahila Band of the 15 NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion, Chümoukedima, along with Imtimenka Khekavi Awomi, finalist of Naga Idol 2006; Mughavi Aye, finalist of Sümi Singing Star Season 1; and Inikali D Awomi, rising Sümi artist.
TR Zeliang, NSCN/GPRN-K Michael extend greetings
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister (Planning and Transformation, National Highways) TR Zeliang extended greetings and best wishes to the Sümi community on the occasion of Ahuna.
Describing Ahuna as a premier post-harvest festival, TR said it is a cherished time of thanksgiving to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest, honouring the hard work of farmers and celebrating the rich cultural heritage passed down by forefathers. He noted that the traditional sharing of Ahuna Balu, freshly harvested rice cooked in bamboo, symbolises gratitude, renewal, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood and unity.
He wished that the festival would bring abundant blessings, peace, good health, and prosperity to every household and called upon everyone to continue working together in harmony and solidarity toward a stronger, better-connected, and progressive Nagaland.
In a separate release, the NSCN/GPRN-K Michael, through its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), also extended greetings to the Sümi people on the occasion of Ahuna.
Describing Ahuna as a celebration of thanksgiving, unity, togetherness, and the rich cultural heritage of the Sümi people, it stated that the festival is a reminder to cherish tradition, honour ancestors, and strengthen the bond of brotherhood and understanding, while wishing peace, happiness, prosperity, and blessings to the land.