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EM Bureau
Dimapur/Kohima, Jan. 14 (EMN): Elaborating on the significance of Sökrönye, the premier festival of the Chakhesang community, which is celebrated for renewing and cleansing of the body and soul, leader of NPF legislature party and co-chairman of UDA government, Kuzholuzo Nienu, called upon the community to cleanse their bodies and souls in the true Christian spirit of forgive and forget of their past deeds and strengthen the Naga brotherhood.
Nienu stated this during the inaugural function of the Sökrönye festival held at Phek town local ground on Saturday. Sharing on the significance of the festival, Nienu stated that the Sökrönye is celebrated to renew and make oneself holy by cleansing the body and soul. He, therefore, called upon the community to cleanse themselves in the true Christian spirit of forgive and forget in order to usher in unity among all the communities of Nagaland, stated a DIPR report.
Nienu conveyed Sökrönye greetings on behalf of the government of Nagaland to all Chakhesang people and also expressed gratitude to Phek Town Youth Society and Nehru Yuva Kendra Phek for organising the festival in a grand manner.
It stated that Sökrönye greetings and invocation prayer were delivered and pronounced by Khosapa Venu, president of Phek Town Public Forum, and Dr. Vezhoto Soho, associate pastor PTBC, while Vepasa Venuh and friends presented a song.
Traditional fire-making and lighting of the Sökrönye torch, top fight, catapult shooting, bamboo pole race, greased bamboo pole climbing and other games were the highlights of the celebration.
All heads of the offices in the district headquarters attended the inaugural function.
In another programme, Sekrüzu Area Welfare Union Kohima (SAWUK) on Saturday celebrated ‘Sökrönye’ at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima.
People from all walks of life clad in traditional attires attended the festival and joined in the merry makings.
Zachilhü Vadeo, former minister of Nagaland and special guest of the celebration, greeted the community and stated that for many generations, the forefathers celebrated Sökrönye with blessings from God and also led a peaceful life in unity and harmony with their families and relatives.
He explained that the festival is a time of purification and sanctification. He wished that the bonding among the people of Sekrüzu area would grow and march forward for all round development with the celebration of the festival.
While appreciating the SAWUK leaders for organising such an event for the first time, he exuded hope that the organisers would continue to bring the area people closer by organising such event in the future.
Short speeches were delivered by Besüpra Swüro, Mulhükhwü Nyekha and Yephüzü Swüro.
The programme witnessed indigenous games, folk songs and other activities.