Pochury Hoho Kohima celebrates Yemshe festival

KOHIMA — The Pochury Hoho Kohima (PHK) on Saturday celebrated Yemshe festival at Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima.

Special guest of the event, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of 9th Kohima Town AC, in his speech, acknowledged the Pochury community as a peace-loving community contributing towards the progress of the state capital. He recalled that the community has been a part of the Naga journey right from the British era.

The MLA said that till now, the Pochury community has been contributing not only to the capital’s progress but also as a peace-loving tribe, showing humbleness and humility to the rest of the tribes.

Observing that Meluri district, with so many natural resources, will be a district where different parts of Nagaland will depend on it as a source of income, he said that the district will soon be internationally renowned because it will become the root for trade with other parts of Asian countries.

He also expressed delight that many youngsters are keeping their culture intact by singing traditional songs and more, adding that if one loses their identity and culture, they will become a lost people.

Also read: Nagaland: Governor, CM extend greetings on Tsokum and Yemshe festivals

The MLA called upon the tribal representatives present to convey the message of unity and urged the Tenyimi family to kill tribalism.

Dr. Rhutso also informed that he is initiating the ‘One Rupee Project for Change,’ wherein the resources created will be utilised for the development of the capital, and the surplus would also be utilised for other districts. He said the initiative would be launched soon and that the programme is aimed at bringing development with accountability and transparency.

President of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) Thejao Vihienuo reiterated the common ancestry shared by the Tenyimis and stressed the importance of increased interaction and friendship to strengthen family bonds.

Former legislator Yitachu stressed the need for collective and contributory efforts of the people. He stated that granting a separate district of Meluri is not only a gift but comes with responsibility. Asserting that Meluri district has rich natural resources that would serve as a gateway for Nagaland, he advised the youth to be well-educated and contribute in every way to development.

The significance of the Yemshe festival was delivered by Yitsuchu Trakha, general secretary of PHK. He stated that until the advent of Christianity, the festival was celebrated for a period of 22 days, beginning late September and culminating in the first week of October every year.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by PHK president Thosiepa Katiry.

Folk songs were presented by Kamaleah Range, Apoksah Range, and Phoyisha Range, while a special song was presented by Lolia Ngouri and Avikürhe Nguori. A folk dance was presented by the Meluri Range.

Meluri host Yemshe-cum-Mini Hornbill fest

Yemshe-cum-Mini Hornbill festival was celebrated on October 3 at Meluri with Advisor of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, as the special guest.

In his address, Zhale expressed happiness that Yemshe is celebrated after a long season of hard work, emphasising that the idea of reaping a rich harvest without any labour is a misconception, a DIPR report stated. 

Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, the chief host of the festival, said that Meluri, the youngest district of Nagaland is rightly coined as the ‘Land of fortunes’ because of the fact that the district is filled with full of  natural resources, which has  potential and avenues for exploration, and opportunities for economic development.

Earlier, welcome notes and greetings were delivered by president of Pochury Hoho Chonpa Curry and Deputy Commissioner of Meluri, K Mhathang Tsanglao, respectively.