Longsa village celebrated the Tsüngremmung Festival with cultural performances, traditional games and calls for unity, gratitude and preservation of Naga heritage.
DIMAPUR — Longsa village in Mokokchung district celebrated the Tsüngremmung Festival on Saturday under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, bringing together dignitaries, neighbouring communities and villagers in a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, unity and thanksgiving.
According to a DIPR report, the event was attended by Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsübo Jamir, as the chief host. Advisors S Keoshu Yimchunger (Youth Resources & Sports) and G Ikuto Zhimomi (Land Resources) attended as guests of honour, while Advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozüküm also addressed the gathering.
Extending Tsüngremmung greetings, Jamir thanked the organisers and the people of Longsa for strengthening community bonds through the festival. He also expressed appreciation to neighbouring villages for their participation, stressing the importance of unity during both celebrations and difficult times. He urged everyone to remain grateful for God's blessings.
Ozüküm highlighted the deeper significance of Tsüngremmung, stating that while the festival traditionally marks thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, it also serves to strengthen relationships and foster friendship within the village and among neighbouring communities.
Zhimomi said cultural festivals play a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional arts, crafts and music.
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He encouraged young people to take pride in their cultural heritage, describing it as the foundation of their identity. He also paid tribute to late NI Jamir of Longsa village, recognising his contribution as the first administrative officer of Aghunato town.
Keoshu Yimchunger said that although Naga festivals are celebrated at different times, they all share common values of gratitude, sharing and community bonding.
Reflecting on changing times, he observed that while earlier generations consumed traditional rice beer to sustain themselves during strenuous agricultural work, today's youth should avoid substance abuse.
He urged young people to preserve the positive legacy of their ancestors while leaving behind practices that are no longer relevant.
Expressing concern over increasing divisions within Naga society despite progress in education, governance and technology, he appealed for greater unity, likening society to a single body whose different parts should work towards a common purpose.
The celebration featured traditional performances by the Sangphur Village Cultural Troupe and the Surumi Village Cultural Troupe, an An Tepong Rara performance by the Lion Club of Longsa, indigenous games demonstrated by the Longsa Eagle Club, and a tug-of-war competition between Züngalepzük and the Longsa Village Council.