Yimkhiung Union Kohima celebrates Metümnyo

KOHIMA — The Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) celebrated Metümnyo, a traditional festival celebrating the millet harvest, on Friday at Botanical Garden, Kohima.

Sharing on the significance of the festival, YUK president Akum said that Metümnyo is celebrated every year in the second week of August for about five days after the millet harvest. The festival is deeply rooted in its culture and tradition, he added.

He also shared that a key aspect of the festival is the practice of forgiveness, where individuals let go of past misunderstandings and release those bound by slavery within their clan or family.

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On significance of the festival, Akum explained that during the festival, children born between the last festival and this year's celebration are considered blessed by God.

To purify their souls, a ritual is performed where six pieces of meat wrapped in banana leaves are offered for boys and five pieces for girls, symbolising a plea to God to bless their souls.

Marriage engagements are also arranged during the festival, where young couples approach their parents to formalise their union.

During the festival, friends and relatives gather from far and wide, and it's customary to treat them to the finest local brew, meat, and food. The YUK president also mentioned that the celebration fosters a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, where married sisters traditionally gift their brothers seasoned rice beer and agricultural products, receiving meat and other gifts in return.

He concluded by saying that the festival's essence lies in celebrating a good life, hope, friendship, and peace, while also honouring the memories of loved ones who have passed on.