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DIMAPUR — A three-day Ahuna festival, organised by the Sumi Hoho along with other frontal organisations, got underway at Zunheboto public ground on Tuesday.
An update from Sumi Hoho stated that day-one of the celebration witnessed ‘Sümi Kükümügha Hoho’ (Sümi blessing service), where hundreds gathered to seek blessings and partake in this sacred Sümi festival.
The opening day’s ceremonial programme was attended by A Pitoho Chophy, member of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), who was warmly welcomed and felicitated by the Sümi Hoho on his recent appointment.
The hoho president, Dr. Vihuto Asumi, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage while evolving in step with modernity. He spoke about embracing the blessings of Ahuna as a time of gratitude, unity and forward momentum for the Sümi people.
A prayer of blessings was offered by Dr. Hutton Sümi, pastor of the Sümi Baptist Church Zunheboto, invoking divine guidance for the Sümi community. It was followed by God’s message delivered by the pastor of the Zunheboto Town Sümi Baptist Church, who encouraged the community to uphold faith, resilience and communal harmony.
In his address, Pitoho Chophy urged the community to be agents of positive change in fostering progress while remaining deeply rooted in the values and traditions that define the Sümi identity. He called upon the gathering to keep pace with the rapidly changing world and reminded them that growth and adaptability are crucial to the community's future.
The programme began with an invocation prayer said by Ghunato Assumi, associate pastor of Sümi Baptist Church, Zunheboto, and concluded with a benediction said by Aketo Yepthomi, youth leader of Zunheboto Town Sümi Baptist Church.
The formal programme was followed by a lively Ahuna night carnival, which was inaugurated by the chairperson of Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC), Herato Sukhalu.
The carnival saw a variety of cultural performances, stalls featuring traditional crafts and local delicacies, all contributing to a memorable start to this year’s Ahuna celebrations.
The festival would continue on November 13 and 14, with an array of events aimed at showcasing Sümi heritage and fostering unity among the community.
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