EM Bureau
Kohima/Dimapur, Nov. 7 (EMN): The Lotha community in Kohima celebrated Tokhu Emong at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, former Member of Parliament, Khyomo Lotha, said that the post-harvest festival, Tokhu Emong, teaches about work culture and thanked the forefathers for initiating the festival. To this day, the farmers after toiling under the sun and rain, celebrate the result of their works, he added.
He said that Tokhu Emong is a time for forgiveness, love, and oneness and appealed to the churches under Wokha district to forgive one another in the spirit of oneness.
He informed that Lothas came to Kohima in the 90’s for education and businesses etc., and chose to settle down.
‘Till date, the community has cordial relationships with counterpart communities, especially Kohima village, with whom the special friendship was fostered back in those days. The Lotha community and Kohima village celebrated Tokhu Emong in 1996 where gifts were exchanged to strengthen the bond of friendship,’ he recalled.
He also urged the people to take part in the clean election campaign in the upcoming state general election. The spirit of Tokhu Emong should not be just one time celebration but the spirit must live on, he added.
Kohima Village Council chairman, Helievi-o Solo, in a solidarity message spoke on the importance of preserving the rich Naga culture and called for strengthening the practice of sharing traditional knowledge with one another.
Director of School Education, Wonthungo Tsopoe, stressed on the importance of understanding one's root for posterity. He added that in all the educational institutions, children should be advised not to misuse traditional attire but must teach them to preserve and promote the Naga culture and tradition.
Competition on tug-of-war was also held where New Secretariat colony emerged the winner and Agri-Forest Colony the runner-up.
Other highlights of the events included victory dance by Tsüngiki cultural club, song by Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhüng, acknowledgement of best traditional attire, dedicatory prayer by Rev. Fr. Mhabemo Matthew, parish priest St. Francis de Sales church Kohima, presentation of folk and modern songs.
Meanwhile, Lotha Community Diphupar (LCD), celebrated Tokhu Emong, at Kirha Ground, Airport Road, Diphupar, Dimapur on Monday.
People from all walks of life, both young and old and children clad in colourful traditional attires, took part in festival with fun and fervor, an update from DPRO Dimapur stated.
The Constitution of Lotha Community Diphupar was officially launched by Jailor, Central Jail Diphupar, Dr. Oben Yanthan, while DPRO Dimapur, Lolano Patton, and Retd .Director H&T Education, honoured the 12 achievers who successfully got through different competitive exams, both central and state services, during 2021 to 2022.
Tokhu songs were presented by Longaro Okhyupvui, Orenbomo Tsopoe, Venronty Yanthan and Gladys Kato Chishi.
On the occasion, LCD also acknowledged the oldest living male and female from Lotha Diphupar community.