DIMAPUR — The Sümi community of Kohima celebrated Tülüni, its premier festival, at the official residence of the commissioner and secretary, Y Kikheto Sema, at New Ministers’ Hill on July 8.
The celebration was organised with an objective to pass down the baton of valuing traditional values to the upcoming generation, a DIPR report stated.
Y Kikheto Sema, who hosted the event, briefed the gathering on the significance of Tülüni festival and how it holds immense importance to every Sümi village and community.
Stating that Tülüni festival is primarily related to agricultural activities, he expressed deep concern over decrease in agricultural activities in rural areas and urged the need to revive agricultural practices since it is deeply connected with Naga tradition. Sema also called upon the citizens in urban areas to rededicate themselves in their respective vocations.
The host further encouraged the Sümi community to foster unity among themselves and be agents of change among other tribes.
As the Tülüni festival is all about hygiene, hard work and fostering community unity, he expressed optimism that such traits would be exhibited among the Sümi community in particular and Nagas in general.
The president of Kohima Sümi Hoho, Shiwoto Wotsa, who chaired the celebratory event, shared about the need to inculcate the value of festival celebration to the upcoming generation.
The event was attended by 19 colony chairmen and secretaries.
Rev. Dr. Kiyeto Sema, pastor of Sümi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Kohima, offered a prayer for the Sümis and Nagas as a whole, and Khekavi Yeptho, pastor of Sümi Baptist Church, Kohima, pronounced the benediction.
In a related programme, the Sumi Hoho celebrated ‘Tulini’ festival at the residence of its president in DC Hill, Zunheboto town, on July 8.
The former president of Sumi Hoho, Dr. HS Rotokha, while speaking on the significance of ‘Tülüni,’ described as one of the major festivals celebrated annually in Sumi community. He explained that ‘Tülüni’ was mainly to prevent natural calamities such as unfavorable climatic conditions and insects from destroying the crops while they are in growing stage.
He added that it is celebrated for seven consecutive days.
The deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, in his greetings, lauded the Sumi frontal organisations for successful completion of three elections consecutively. He stated that Zunheboto is now a peace loving district.
In his welcome address, the president of Sumi Hoho, I Nikheto Jimo, stated that the celebration was a result of cooperation from Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami Hoho.
The programme was chaired by the hoho general secretary, Dr. Vihuto Asumi.