Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 10 (EMN): The traditional gate of Lhisemia Thinuo of Kohima village was inaugurated on Saturday by Helevio Solo, chairman of Kohima Village Council (KVC), as the chief guest on the Secretariat road in Kohima.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Solo maintained that in olden days, gates were erected to safeguard the village. He said that motifs were depicted with different meaning to invoke blessings from God Almighty.
The chairman advised the residents of Kohima village to set a good precedent as many communities and Nagas are watching over the Kohima village even in terms of leadership. Besides, he also stressed on the need to preserve the age-old and rich heritage in the form of a gate and expressed concern over the diminishing cultural heritage.
Khriehu Liezietsu, MLA and guest of honour, has termed the occasion as a ‘significant day’ for the Lhisemia community as the gate was erected to reaffirm the age-old bondage among the members since the time of the forefathers. He maintained that the gate would beautify the village and also stand as a symbol of oneness and unity among the people.
Ayie Yhome, chairman of Lhisemia Council, stated that Lhisemia Thinuo gate was inaugurated after many years of the council's existence consisting Huruo, Tsiera and Rhiepfu. He said the gate was significant as it marked the boundary of the village inhabitation. He acknowledged the land owners and members of the khel for their contribution towards the construction of the gate.
Neibolhoulie Yhome, convenor of the gate construction committee, informed that the gate construction started on May 3, 2022. He said the structure and design were conceptualised by Kekhrielenyü Alo Tseikha and motifs were designed by Vilalhou Noudi and the artists were Neivotuo Keyho and Lhoulienyü Suokhrie.
He also informed that about INR 48 lakh was spent for the construction of the gate.
Member of the construction committee, Vilalhou Noudi, informed that great care was taken in the choice of wood for the door to ensure its quality and durability in the past with various motifs and symbols which are expression of acknowledgements and gratitude God on one hand and symbolic reminder for their prayers for prosperity, security, power and victory on the other hand.
Speaking about the motifs depicted on the gate, the member informed that the Mithun head signifies wealth and prosperity; human head signifies success over enemies; warrior stands for outstanding achievements in warfare and combats; moon/ sun signifies prayers for the village to exist in the sky; women's breasts signifies fertility and growth of population; bulls/ roosters signifies blessings of livestock; dao (machete) carries strap signifies skills in workmanship; rice stalks signifies prayer for good crops and bountiful harvest; dao/ spears signifies prowess in warfare, strength and power and shield signifies strengths against the enemy.
A song was presented by Menguseu Suokhrie, which was followed with a folksong presented by Kiyaheu Tsiekha, Mengukhrietuo Marcus Dzuvichu, general secretary of Lhisemia Council.
The programme was chaired by Neingusalie Khruomo.
On the occasion, Khriehu Liezietsu hoisted the Lhisemia council flag, while KVC chairman, Helevio Solo, inaugurated the gate in the presence of various frontal organisations of Kohima village, representatives of Pfutseromi Village Council and Mao Union Kohima.