Chang Nagas celebrate Nyaknyulum in Mokokchung

Our Correspondent New Yaongyimti (Mokokchung), July 30 Nyaknyulum, the premier festival of the Chang Naga was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety in new Yaongyimti village on Thursday. The village falls under the jurisdiction of Chuchuyimlang extra assistant commissioner and about thirty kilometers away from Mokokchung town. Dr Supongmeren Atsongchanger, senior specialist of the department of Health & Family Welfare was the chief guest for the event. Aokumba, a personal secretary to parliamentary secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry was the guest of honor. The event was organized by the New-Yaongyimti Youth. Addressing the occasion, Dr Atsongchanger stressed on the need to preserve cultural practices and the rich heritage of forefathers, while doing away with ‘unwanted traditional practices’.Laying emphasis on the significance of Nyaknyulum festival, the medical officer asked the current generation to imbibe the values of the festival but especially through Christian values and education as ‘Nyaknyulum signifies the triumph of light over darkness’. Also, he said that education does not only mean ‘book knowledge’ but knowledge that is shared between the elder and the younger generations in looking to the development of the community. Dr Atsongchanger urged the villagers of Yaongyimti to seek facilities provided by the government in the health sectors. A special health program will be organized in the village in the future, he said. Additional Superintendent of Police of Mokokchung, Yanrenthung Ngullie, and other government officials and public leaders also attended the event. The guest of honor, Aokumba, a personal secretary to parliamentary secretary S Chuba who is the representative from the constituency, expressed deep appreciation to the youths of Yaongyimti village for organizing the festival. Youths have to ‘work as a bridge in different walks of life’, he said in exhortation. Music and cultural entertainment events marked the day’s festivities.