EMN
Delhi, AUG 2
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju has said that he has great admiration for Ao community and their culture since his college days in Delhi University, and drew a lot of inspiration from the Tsungremmong celebration of the community.
Talking on the accommodation of smaller communities in vast country like India, during the Tsüngremmong celebration, organized by Delhi Ao Senso Telongjem (DAST) at Samaj Sadan, Connaught Place, Delhi today, he said, it is not the numbers that count but how we move forward with confidence.
He also added that his primary duty was to serve the country. He however said, as an MP from Northeast, he would endeavor to serve the people of the region, and in this regard, he has conveyed to the Prime Minister for quick and fast responsive attitude towards issues facing the region.
Dr. Walunir, President, DAST, welcomed the chief guest, guest of honour, Jyoti Kalash, IAS, Resident Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, Aos of Delhi, Ao In-laws of Delhi, invitees and well-wishers. Dr. Walunir also stated that Tsungremmong is a celebration of cultural heritage and that Aos should remain rooted in their intangible cultural heritage especially, truthfulness, hard work and unwavering faith in God.
Kalash in his speech stated that the Tsungremong festival brought back memories of the rich cultural heritage of Aos which he experienced while he was posted in Mokokchung.
The Ao Kaketshir Telongjem, Delhi performed a cultural dance while the Ao Children of Delhi a cultural song. There was a traditional song competition of different Ao groups of Delhi. The Ao Watsu group bagged the first prize while Ao personnel of NAP Wazirabad bagged the second prize. The DAST ‘Temeranger Korang’ was awarded to Kilemtoshi of Longsa Village for successfully passing the UPSC civil Services 2014.
During the vote of thanks Aosunep, cultural secretary of DAST, thanked everyone for making the programme a success. The celebration closed with a Tsungremmong fest of indigenous food.
Other important dignitaries who attended the programme were Padmashree Kilemla, Member UPSC; Limatula, IRS, Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Alem Jamir, Director, Defence Ministry; Imkongla, IAS, Deputy Secretary and Francis Kharshing, IPS, Commandanr, Meghalaya Armed Police, Delhi.
Longsa Village: Tsüngremmong, the pre-harvest festival of the Ao community, was celebrated in a grand manner at Longsa village with Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir as the chief guest today at Salang Lenden, Longsa.
Hundreds of Longsa villagers and also the neighboring villagers from Tuensang and Zunheboto and the Ao community joined the festivity which was celebrated in pomp and gaiety.
In her address, the Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Longsa Village Council for giving her the privilege to grace the Tsüngremmong festival at Longsa. She also expressed deep appreciation at the unity of Longsa villagers in celebrating the Tsüngremong in a grand manner year after year.
Drawing a similarity between the traditional Tsüngremmong festival with that of biblical teachings, Banuo said that hard work alone is not sufficient if we don’t acknowledge the blessings of Almighty God. She, therefore, urged the people to follow the spirit of Tsüngremmong and give thanks to God in whatever they do.
While appreciating the unity among the Longsa villagers, Banuo, however, underlined that “Being one of the big villages, sometimes there might be misunderstandings among the community.” She expressed happiness that Longsa villagers could maintain unity thus far and prayed that the unity would continue. “There is no occasion where we can’t find solution through openness and dialogue,” she said.
Earlier, the LVC chairman, R Lanu Jamir welcomed the villagers, guests and visitors to Longsa while a Tatar of Longsa village, Longzüngmeren, pronounced the significance of Tsüngremmong festival. Cultural dances were presented by Changtongya village, Sakhami village (Sumi) and Tonghar village (Sangtam).
A special number was presented by Alemkaba, Naga Orpheus Hunt 2013 finalist, while Süngkümshir Cultural Club, Longsa presented a spectacular traditional ‘Cock fight’.
Officials from the district administration and police, tourism department, women development department and others dignitaries were present at the programme.
Principal Correspondent
Kohima, Aug 2
Mongsenyimti Union Kohima (MUK) today celebrated the premiere Tsungremmong festival of Ao Naga tribe at State Academy Hall Kohima.
Sharing the significance of the festival, an elderly person Imtiomen Ozukum said, it is an observance organised for a good harvest and a better life. It fosters a spirit of unity and peace among the people.
It is a time to celebrate and make merry for both the young and old. All enjoy to their hearts’ content.
In the modern days the festival is a good time to meet and rekindle relationship among families. Tsungremmung festival is not just a festival but also a source of building unity.
The highlights of the day-long celebration among others were tug of war, folk dances by various cultural club, Tsungremmong play, traditional games and funspiration. It was followed by a grand Tseungremmong community feast.
