Zhavame village in Phek celebrated the Laoni festival to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen bonds with the Sumi community through shared traditions.
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DIMAPUR — Zhavame village, Phek, observed the Laoni festival on Monday, aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and traditional practices of the village, with President of the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU), Tito K Yeptho, as the festival guest.
The event was organised by the Zhavame Village Tourism Board with support from the village council, village development board (VDB), women’s body, youth body, and students’ union, according to an update.
Speaking on the occasion, Yeptho emphasised the age-old bond between the Sumi and Chakhesang communities and commended the people of Zhavame for beautifully preserving and showcasing their rich cultural heritage, especially through the celebration of the Laoni festival.
Expressing a strong desire to strengthen this cultural bond, he further invited the people of Zhavame to participate in Sumi festivals and gatherings in the future as a gesture of continued kinship and mutual respect.
In addition to cultural unity, he also underscored the importance of hard work in building a better life. He encouraged the people of Zhavame, particularly the youth, to step forward and explore different avenues of livelihood, including the auto-driving profession. He assured them of his support and assistance to anyone from Zhavame willing to venture into this field.
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He further reiterated that the ties between their communities must continue to grow stronger, rooted in unity, culture, and cooperation.
President of the Western Sumi Youth Front, Atokiho Sema, reflecting on the shared history and ancestral ties between the Sumi and the Chakhesang community, reminded everyone that their forefathers once lived as brothers.
In this regard, he also stressed the importance of reviving this sense of brotherhood and nurturing it across generations so that the bond between the two communities not only survives but flourishes in the years to come.
He assured them that, should they ever require any assistance or collaboration in the areas of Niuland and Chümoukedima, the Western Sumi Youth Front would be more than willing to extend a helping hand.
He further encouraged the people of Zhavame to remain united, to stand together as one community, and to continue working hand in hand for the betterment of their village and future generations.
The celebration included a variety of traditional and recreational competitions such as tug-of-war, bamboo climbing, and volleyball.