Khetoi village cultural troupe performs traditional community fishing. (Morung Photo)
Kohima | December 20: The Khetoi village cultural troupe performed traditional community fishing during the last Hornbill Festival of Nagaland and it evoked thunderous applause from the visitors.
Community fishing can be organised within a single village or with other neighbouring villages sharing a similar course. In preparation, a day before, all men folk go to the jungle to collect “Ayicchi” (a poisonous and very bitter creeper plant).
Source said big logs are placed across the river. On fishing day, when the command is sounded, all villagers’ starts beating on their bundle or Ayicchi placed on the log in the flowing river. The water starts foaming and the intoxicated fish floats up which are collected and cooked.
The traditional community fishing was held for the following reasons; re-strengthening of friendship ties, for families and friends to enjoy, show the population and strength of the village and to attract rain so that seeds sowed in the fields grow on time.
Community fishing can be organised within a single village or with other neighbouring villages sharing a similar course. In preparation, a day before, all men folk go to the jungle to collect “Ayicchi” (a poisonous and very bitter creeper plant).
Source said big logs are placed across the river. On fishing day, when the command is sounded, all villagers’ starts beating on their bundle or Ayicchi placed on the log in the flowing river. The water starts foaming and the intoxicated fish floats up which are collected and cooked.
The traditional community fishing was held for the following reasons; re-strengthening of friendship ties, for families and friends to enjoy, show the population and strength of the village and to attract rain so that seeds sowed in the fields grow on time.
