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KOHIMA — The Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to India, Javier Paulinich, on Thursday, said that Nagaland has become an example on cultural preservation and commended the state for its commitment to promote Naga traditions, citing the Hornbill Festival as an exemplary event.
Speaking at the Tsütou Kharu (gate) pulling ceremony organised by the Tsütounoumia Thinuo of Kohima village, the ambassador expressed joy at the vibrant display of colors, melodious tunes, and Nagaland's hospitality.
The event, coinciding with the 24th Hornbill Festival, saw active participation from members of 25 villages with whom the Tsütounoumia Khel of Kohima village shares friendship bonds.
Dressed in traditional attire, participants pulled the rope with synchronised movements, accompanied by folk songs, moving the Tsütuo Kharu along the national highway from Merhulietsa to Seithogei, covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometers.
On the occasion, Ambassador Paulinich emphasised the longstanding diplomatic relations between Peru and India, celebrating the 60th anniversary this year. He said it was a proof of the friendship that has flourished over the decades, adding that it reflected the shared values of diversity, unity, and mutual respect that bind the two nations together.
Highlighting the recent robust economic collaborations between Peru and India, Ambassador Paulinich emphasised the potential for mutual benefits in trade, technology, and innovation. He specifically pointed to the vibrant information technology sector in India and the growing industries in Peru as promising areas for collaboration, laying the groundwork for a dynamic economic relationship.
Beyond diplomatic and economic ties, the Ambassador underscored the shared cultural heritage between Peru and India. Drawing parallels between the Caral-Supe civilization in Peru, the oldest in the Americas, and the Indus Valley Civilisation in India, one of the world's oldest urban cultures, he emphasised the wisdom of ancestors evident in these ancient civilisations.
Reflecting on the simultaneous flourishing of civilisations 5000 years ago, marked by advanced urban planning, sophisticated agricultural practices, and intricate social systems, Ambassador Paulinich urged recognition of the enduring legacy left by these civilisations. He stressed the need to cherish and celebrate this heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural ties binding Peru and India that have withstood the test of time.
Applauding Nagaland as an exemplary model for cultural preservation, the Ambassador asserted that cultural bonds are unbreakable, with festivals like Hornbill serving as bridges connecting countries. He also appreciated Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for inviting Peru to the festival and strengthening relations between Peru and India. He exuded hope that the festival would serve as a symbol of unity, cultural exchange, and friendship that will continue to flourish for many more years to come.
During the event, Chief Minister Rio expressed his joy at being the host and lauded the Tsütounumia Khel for organising the gate-pulling ceremony, aligning it with the Hornbill Festival to showcase Naga traditions and heritage to visitors.
Rio acknowledged the significance of the Tsütou gate erected on the national highway, emphasising its role in showcasing Naga hospitality to tourists.
Highlighting the customary alignment of the Hornbill Festival with jubilees, gates, and mega events that exhibit Naga cultural heritage, Rio urged organisations and societies to collaborate with the government in organising such events during the festival. He believed that this collaboration would help popularise Naga culture globally.
Contrary to a perception of animism, Rio clarified that the traditional gate-pulling ceremony was not about practicing animism but about invoking God's blessings and presence. He acknowledged the Christian conversion of the majority but emphasised that the event aimed to pass on the rich legacy of forefathers to posterity.
Rio recalled the keen observations made by the British colonialists about Naga culture during their invasion and how they passed the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations in the British Parliament in 1873 to protect tribal peoples' heritage. He maintained that the Government of India continues to honour and uphold these traditions.
Rio called upon the Nagas to preserve their rich heritage, traditions, and culture, maintain its uniqueness, and live in peace.
Meanwhile, K Neibou Sekhose, Chairman of T Khel Council said that almost every village has its own boundary and gate along routes through which villagers go to their fields or travel outside.
In Kohima Village alone, he noted the existence of fifteen such gates, with Tsütuonuomia Khel owning four of them, including the Tsütuo Kharu showcased on Thursday. Sekhose explained that Tsütuo Kharu would stand as the ‘welcome gate to Kohima,’ the capital of Nagaland, positioned at Seithogei on NH-29.
Apart from the gate, there are 16 stone monuments representing the unity of the 16 districts of the state, aptly named ‘Unity Stones.’
CM Rio unveiled the stones while Ambassador Paulinich unveiled the Tsütou Kharu (gate) monolith.