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Members of Changtongya, in Mokokchung district, celebrate Tsüngremong festival on August 3 in Kohima.[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 4 (EMN): Denizens of Changtongya, which is in Mokokchung district, celebrated Tsüngremong, the harvest festival of the Ao Naga community with pomp and gaiety on August 3 in Kohima.
The celebration was organised by the Changtongya Senso Telongjem Kohima (CSTK), and hosted by Imnatiba Jamir, advisor for Industries and Commerce, at his official residence, updates stated on Sunday.
The Changtongya Senso Telongjem of Kohima issued a press release to the media on Sunday informing about the programme.
Among others, villagers residing in Kohima and Dimapur as well as members from the Changtongya Village Council and other well-wishers attended the event decked in their ethnic attires.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Jamir said that the concept of the Almighty God was perceptible among their forefathers. It was revealed and reaffirmed with the advent of Christianity and the celebration of Tsüngremong transcended to its present form, he implied.
The legislator urged the villagers and people of the constituency he represents, to be united and to work confidently towards progress of the local economy. He is currently the legislator representing for 22nd Arkakong assembly constituency in Mokokchung district.
Jamir also donated a vehicle, a Mahindra Bolero, to the Changtongya Village Council to serve as conveyance for their official work.
Rev. Taku Longkumer, the American Baptist International Ministries’ country co-coordinator for India, urged for developing a broadminded outlook in their interaction with ‘outside world’ besides giving back to the society.
While the Nagas have progressed tremendously over the past few decades, he said to have noted that comparatively there are ‘more roads to be covered in context of development’ and progression to a ‘civilised’ society.
‘We should be humble in achievement and open-minded in our daily affairs,’ the press release quoted him as having said.
Emphasising on the importance of villages in the Naga society, the reverend also advocated their development though citizens’ initiatives. Giving and going ‘back to the roots’ will help a village in developing in unanimity with others while instilling a sense of belongingness, he said.
‘Let the progress and development of Arkakong constituency be a model to others so that we can contribute to the state’s economy, apart from empowering ourselves,’ he exhorted the gathering.
Tsüngremong-themed songs from members of the community’s Dimapur and Kohima units as well as talks about the meaning of the day were some of the highlights of the event. The formal event was followed by a community feast, the press release added.