Dimapur, Jan. 5 (EMN): Citizens of Zhavame dwelling in Dimapur celebrated ‘Thuni’ festival on January 5 at Zhavame Community Hall in Sovima village, Dimapur, on the theme, “Celebrating culture through peace and prosperity.”
President of NDPP Phek region, Mosonyi Domeh, who hosted the community feast, highlighted how ‘Thuni’ festival- a festival of the Poumai community residing in Razeba range- was included in the restricted holiday list in the government calendar. He acknowledged the past leaders of the community for spearheading the initiative to include ‘Thuni’ festival among the Chakhesang festivals in 2016 and beyond, an update from the Thuni Feast media cell stated.
He also exhorted the community to organise ‘Thuni’ festival in a grandeur manner in the years to come. Besides, he emphasised on the importance of preserving one’s identity and knowing one's own mother tongue especially with young children residing in towns and cities. He further urged the community to forgive and forget of the wrong done in the past and be united steadfastly and work tirelessly for the interest of the people.
Convenor of the Thuni feast Reo Dukru delivered the welcome address, while the union chairman Sanyi Movi delivered the keynote address, and the union advisor Rapri Pohena shared the background and celebration of Thuni.
It stated that representatives of Zhavame union from Kohima, Phek and Pfutsero, Zelome Union Dimapur, Tsiipfiime Union Dimapur, Razeba Public Organisation Dimapur unit and the village council team from Zhavame attended the celebration.
Other highlights of the programme included invocation by Mosa Nukhu, pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Toulazouma; blessing of the new office bearers for the tenure 2022-24 by Rev. Fr. Rozii Anthony Dukru, parish priest of St. Joseph Chumoukedima; and benediction was said by former pastor Siba Krocha.
Presentations of folk tunes by the youth, women and men groups, greased bamboo pole climbing, tug of war between married men and youth and lucky draw were other attractions of the celebration.