Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival celebrations culminate at Wokha public ground.
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WOKHA — The Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival celebrations culminated at Wokha public ground on Friday, marked by vibrant cultural displays and community participation.
Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, graced the occasion as chief guest and extended Tokhü Emong greetings to the Lotha community.
Conveying best wishes on behalf of Advisor Zhaleo Rio, who was unable to attend due to his engagement at a national conclave in Delhi, the MLA expressed joy in joining the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Mero acknowledged Tokhü Emong as a year-end thanksgiving festival marked by reconciliation, merrymaking, exchange of gifts, and strengthening of bonds.
Drawing parallels with his own Chakhesang tribe, he noted similarities in post-harvest celebrations between the two tribes, and encouraged the preservation of ancestral traditions through storytelling and documentation for younger generations.
The legislator lauded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his visionary leadership in initiating the Hornbill Festival, which brings together diverse Naga cultures under one platform. He also highlighted Wokha district’s economic significance, citing its fertile land, the 75 MW Doyang Hydro Power Project, and its growing reputation as a tourist destination due to the migratory Amur falcons.
He also emphasised the untapped potential of oil deposits in the district, which could benefit both the local community and the state economy.
Related: Wokha: Spotlight on indigenous games on day-2 of Tokhü Emong celebrations
Commending the Lotha community for their achievements in competitive examinations, Mero urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, sincerity, and hard work. He encouraged other Naga tribes to emulate the Lothas’ dedication and resilience.
Reflecting on the proliferation of organisations and associations among Nagas, he stressed that leadership must be rooted in sacrifice and commitment, cautioning that without such values, leaders risk becoming liabilities to community progress.
The MLA called for unity and peace among Naga tribes, urging youth to bridge the gaps created by tribalism and to foster a collective vision for a better Naga society.
Delivering Tokhü Emong greetings, ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, reflected on the changing times, cautioning that in the pursuit of a fast-paced modern life, communities risk losing touch with their cultural heritage.
He noted that Tokhü Emong, once marked by deeper unity and festive spirit, has gradually lost some of its essence. Urging the gathering to uphold the festival’s core values of unity, reconciliation, and friendship, Ezung appealed to citizens not to forget their roots while embracing modernity. He called upon all to foster love, respect, and harmony in society.
The event also witnessed the finals of the tug of war competition, where Midland colony defended their title winning the finals for the second straight year. GHS colony took silver, and Zuvotong colony won the bronze medal.
The closing ceremony in the evening was attended by Relo T Aye, Superintendent of Police, Wokha, as the special guest while the annual Tokhü Emong musical night featured Yanrenthung Humtsoe, president of Wokha District Sports Association and senior advisor of WDCC&I, as the guest of honour.
In his address, Aye urged a return to the robust work ethic of the past, warning that without it, festivals like Tokhü Emong could lose their significance.
“We must revive our culture of hard work; otherwise, festivals like Tokhü Emong will slowly lose their identity,” he said.
He urged the community to celebrate the festival in a spirit of peace, unity, and renewed commitment to progress.