Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 30
Kezoma village under Kohima district today celebrated 1st Ochü Millet Festival 2025 at Zakie Ground Kezoma in the presence of Y Vikheho Swu, President, NDPP Agri & Allied Organization and Managing Director, Okusa Toyota as the special guest.
The event was jointly organized by Kezoma Village Council in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The festival featured exhibition-cum-sale of millet and other organic vegetables and fruits.
ATMA, Nagaland, Department of Agriculture also displayed Millet based products at the festival.
The festival also propagated the health benefits of Foxtail millet, which supports heart health, aids in weight loss, improve digestion, strengthens bones among the others.
Millet is one of the earliest crops harvested by the villagers, who, upon gathering the yield, offer it in reverence to the spirits and mark the occasion with a festival of celebration called Chünyi by the villagers.
Chünyi is observed for two days, the first day being called Kide (Kizie: day of rituals) and the second day Kreuo zha (day of rest and celebration).
The villagers celebrate Chünyi every year towards the end of July and extends into the beginning of August.
Another significant aspect of the festival is that it is believed to bring rain to begin paddy cultivation.
It was often said that in the past, neighbouring villages of Kezoma would ask the village to observe Chünyi in order to pray for rainfall.
Among the many festivals celebrated throughout the year, Chünyi is not just an important festival but one celebrated with great vigour, keeping in mind that it is observed right after the millets are harvested.
During the festival, all households slaughter a dog or piglet and relinquish the meat to replenish one’s physical strength and nourish one’s health after the abundant harvest.
Today, while the traditional rituals no longer being practiced, the festival continues to be observed as a way of preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to younger generations.
