Union Minister Scindia participates in Touphema stone-pulling ritual

KOHIMA — Union Minister of Communication and DoNER Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Friday took part in the traditional stone-pulling ceremony at Touphema village, joining Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, and several other ministers and dignitaries.

Thousands of villagers and participants came together to pull the massive stone, which weighed more than 20 tonnes and measures 22 feet in height, 2.7 feet in width and 4 feet in breadth.

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Kevikhe Seyie, gaonbura of Touphema Village Council, led the ritual blessing before the ceremony began.

Addressing the gathering, Scindia said that the stone-pulling tradition was more than a display of physical strength, describing it as a living symbol of unity and shared heritage.

“This tradition is not merely a display of physical strength but a living reminder of how heritage binds communities together. Standing here among the people of Touphema, I felt the deep wisdom of a society that safeguards its roots while embracing progress,” he said.

The Union minister added that the act of pulling the stone embodied the coming together of “body, mind, soul, heart and spirit,” and expressed his appreciation for being part of the cultural celebration.