Dimapur, Aug. 7 (EMN): Yimchunger community in Kohima celebrated ‘Medümneo’ festival at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Saturday with the chairman of Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission (NBRM), L Thronghokiu, as the special guest.
Speaking at the celebration, Thronghokiu said that ‘Medümneo’ festival is celebrated in honour of newborn babies and for the souls of persons, who would pass away in the present year, a DIPR report stated. Stating that initially ‘Medümneo’ festival was celebrated with a deep sense of respect and honour, he lamented that the true spirit of ‘Medümneo’ celebration is rarely found in present time.
On the occasion, he also called upon the younger generation to work together to restore the lost glory of Yimchunger. Mentioning that the Yimchunger population was just next to Konyak in the eastern Naga area, he stated that division among the people, jealousy and gossip within the community has brought bad fortune upon them. He further urged the gathering to work together to bring harmony and peace within its community and with the rest of the Nagas.
The NBRM mission director, Dr. Kroulalie, who also spoke on the occasion, urged the preservation of cultural identity. He stated that people in the present time have detached themselves from their culture owing to invasion of western lifestyle.
He encouraged the Yimchunger community to inculcate the tradition and culture passed down by the forefathers for the future generation to keep the unique culture alive.
Delivering the significance of ‘Metumnyo,’ executive chairman of Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK), Hanji, said that any festival is meaningful and inspiring when it is celebrated by keeping in mind its inherent meanings and significance.
“When we actually learn the true significance encircling around Medümneo, there emanates the spirit of inspiration,” Hanji said.
He stated that the festival is celebrated from August 1 to the 8th. However, in modern times, it is reduced to three days from August 6 to the 8th.
The word ‘Medümneo’ encompasses the three syllables which are “Me” meaning “spirit or soul,” “Tüm” meaning “wrap” and “Nyo” meaning “feast.” The festival literally conveys it as an occasion of ‘soul wrapping feast.” The whole meaning of the festival revolves around life, hope, friendship and peace. It also encircles around the spiritual feast and also a religious communion between the living and the dead.
The function was chaired by YUK vice president, Akumba, while the vote of thanks was delivered by YUK general secretary, T Kiusangthong. The invocation prayer was pronounced by Wongtokiu, pastor of YBBK, while the benediction was said by C Rachel, women associate pastor of YBBK. The festival was organised by YUK by following the Covid-19 SOPs.