Yimkhiungs celebrate Metümnyo in Kohima

KOHIMA — The Metümnyo festival of the Yimkhiung tribe was celebrated with fervour as young and old, clad in traditional attire, gathered at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, to mark the occasion organised by the Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) on Thursday.

The Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Village Guards, CL John, who attended the occasion, said in his speech that festivals signify a rededication of one's work and life to God for a plentiful harvest.

He called upon the Yimkhiung community to take the initiative and work towards bridging gaps between the people of eastern Nagaland in particular and the "broken" Naga society in general.

Speaking about the significance of the festival, H Hanji, vice president of the Yimkhiung Tribal Council, said Metümnyo is one of the most important festivals of the Yimkhiung Nagas. It is celebrated over five days, from August 4 to 8.

In the past, each Yimkhiung village had its own numerous festivals. However, all the villages have agreed to hold a common festival on the same day, named the "Metümnyo festival," following the harvest of millet each year, he said. According to Yimkhiung beliefs, the word Metümnyo translates to 'Me' meaning 'soul', 'tüm' meaning 'wrap', and 'nyo' meaning 'festival', he said.

Historically, the proceedings of the Metümnyo festival begin with the village chief announcing the festival on August 3. This is followed by the preparation of "shito," a local rice beer, on August 4, in anticipation of the main festival days, August 7 and 8.

August 5 is marked by "zhihto," the collection of firewood, while "zümto" on August 6 involves arranging foodstuffs, slaughtering animals and sharing raw meat with relatives, friends, and neighbours. On August 7, "khihresuk" involves the purification and sanctification of children. This is followed by "shiresuk" on August 8, which includes placing a small green branch on every house, circling jhum fields for the next year, and other rituals.

The festival concludes with community members cleaning the footpaths of community fields on August 9 to ensure a plentiful harvest, the vice president explained.

Toshi Chang, president of the Eastern Naga Peoples Union Kohima (ENPUK), called upon the gathering to reflect on the true meaning of the festival. He noted a shift in focus, observing that the festival, once a celebration of the culmination of ancestors' hard work and dedication, is now overshadowed and celebrated without recognising this effort.