Tungjoy village in Senapati begins annual Glory Day with calls for peace, unity and cultural preservation by leaders.
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DIMAPUR — Tungjoy village in the Senapati district of Manipur began its annual Tungjoy Glory Day (Veymai Teithe) on Sunday.
The two-day celebration, observed on January 4 and 5, commenced with an inaugural session marked by traditional rituals, cultural performances, and messages, stated an update.
The celebration is being held on the theme “Avei–Atro (Glory)”, and the day also marks the conclusion of the Thouni (New Year) festival and heralds the arrival of the spring season, reminding farmers to return to agricultural work.
Traditionally, the day is also observed as an occasion to express gratitude to the deities through dance, song, and storytelling for good health and a bountiful harvest.
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The inaugural programme commenced with villagers converging at Houthrow in traditional attire, followed by Thrawchhiinya and Peeveinya. The opening of Glory Day was carried out by the three clans of Tungjoy and an item known as “Vovuyu”. The flag was unfurled by the chief guest, followed by the traditional Veymai Hriipa Lu (Konya).
An invocation prayer was offered by PH Jacob, pastor of TBC. The chairman of Tungjoy Glory Day (TGD) delivered the welcome address, while the secretary of TGD presented the introduction and programme overview.
Traditional cultural performances formed the highlight of the inaugural session. These included Aphaziirih, the traditional art of cotton spinning by women, Ai-Ao—depicting men carrying paddy rice on their backs; and Netridashi, the traditional method of ploughing soil by men and women.
The programme was attended by dignitaries including the chief guest, the president and office bearers of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), leaders of the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), retired senior government officials, church leaders, social activists, security personnel, and other invited guests.
Delivering the guest of honour’s address, Veziihii Keyho, recalling his long association with Tungjoy village, mentioned that when his village celebrated its golden jubilee, the Tungjoy choir was invited, and after 36 years he was visiting Tungjoy again.
Reflecting on peace and reconciliation, he stated, “This is a trial and a victory for peace.” He said, “If we have love, there is no problem,” and added that “because of good leadership, they realised the necessity of peace and harmony.” He further remarked, “There is no greater joy than peace and harmony under God’s grace.”
Quoting the Bible from Matthew 5:9, he urged the gathering, “Let us all try to be the peacemaker.” Referring to inter-village relationships, he spoke about the friendship treaty signed by four villages in 1982, noting that they are about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. He said, “We must continue to nurture our relationship for the sake of our children and future generations.”
He also encouraged closer ties through cultural understanding, saying, “We also need to encourage our youngsters for inter-marriage, through which we can come closer,” and added, “We also need to learn each other’s language.”
Speaking about the future, he said, “As we move into the future, we will meet with opportunities and challenges, but let us remember progress without unity leads to weakness.”
Addressing the youth, students, elders, and leaders, he said, “To the youth—you are the custodians of tomorrow,” urged students to pursue education without forgetting their roots, and called upon elders and leaders to continue guiding society with wisdom.
In his address, the chief guest, Timikha Koza, president of the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO), said, “Today we are all alive and well and celebrating Tungjoy Glory Day.” He stressed the importance of celebrating together with fellow communities and the Tenyimi people, stating, “Whenever we go and attend a function organised by any tribe, we feel that we are much closer, because our culture is the same, and we feel that we belong to each other.”
Calling for self-reflection, he said, “Now as we come together, let us re-examine ourselves whether we are small- or broad-minded people,” and warned that there are forces trying to destroy unity among the Tenyimi people. Highlighting the blessings of nature, he stated, “God has given us the best place, good forest and sufficient water.” Emphasising environmental conservation, he cautioned, “If we don’t preserve forests, there won’t be water.”
Referring to the Barak River and forest cover, he recalled earlier days of harmony with nature, saying, “Those were the beautiful days; harmony it was.”
He appealed for collective efforts, stating, “I alone cannot do it, but all have to join, and we can regenerate our forest. Let us make our land green again.” He further urged the people to preserve values passed down by their forefathers, saying, “By the truth, don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline and understanding.”
A special moment during the inaugural session was the acknowledgement of the oldest resident of Tungjoy village, aged 93.