Kezoma village to celebrate Ochü Millet Festival

DIMAPUR — The Kezoma village under Kohima district, in collaboration with the departments of Agriculture and Tourism, will organise the 1st edition of Ochü Millet Festival at Kezoma village ground on August 30.

An update from the organising committee stated that Y Vikheho Swu, president of NDPP Agri & Allied Organisation and managing director of Okusa Toyota, would be the special guest of the celebration.

It informed that millet and other organic vegetables produced by the village would be sold along with other activities during the festival. The millets, which would be available for sale at the festival, are harvested this year in the month of July.

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It mentioned that millet is one of the earliest crops harvested by the villagers, who, upon gathering the yield, offer it in reverence to the spirits and mark the occasion with a festival of celebration called ‘Chünyi’ by the villagers. It added that ‘Chünyi’ is observed for two days, the first day being called Kide (Kizie: day of rituals) and the second day called Kreuo zha (day of rest and celebration).

It stated that villagers celebrate Chünyi every year towards the end of July and extend into the beginning of August. The celebration of festival was believed to bring rain for paddy cultivation. It was often said in the past that neighbouring villages of Kezoma would ask the village to observe ‘Chünyi’ in order to bring rain.

It stated that Chünyi is not just an important festival but one celebrated with great vigour, keeping in mind that it is observed right after the millets are harvested. During the festival, all households slaughter a dog or piglet and relinquish the meat to replenish and nourish one's physical strength and health after the abundant harvest.

It further stated that while the traditional rituals are no longer practiced today, the festival continues to be observed as a way of preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to younger generations.