
Morung Express News
Daily cultural extravaganza performances billed as “Culturally Yours” today attracted large number of visitors here. The morning session was graced by Papu Yadav and his wife (both MPs) and Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar AVSM VM VSM AOC-in-C EAC in the afternoon.
Yimchunger tribe demonstrates head hunting practice
The Sangphur village cultural troupe representing Yimchunger tribe demonstrated (Ku Lukhi), the ritual of head hunting. Before head hunting expedition is carried out, an elder will draw lot (Azan). If the signs are positive a cock will be strangled and the ritual chief (Wuhkenopuh) will take an egg and throw it towards the village which is to be raided. If enemies are killed, they severe the heads and hands and legs and place them inside the log drum which is then beaten ceremoniously. The next day the severed heads and limbs are tied to the branches of a particular tree (Mekutung) and hung up on a tall bamboo pole.
“Khaozao Sey Sumai”
The Pathso Nokeng Cultural Troupe representing Khiamniungan tribe performed “Khaozao Sey Sumai” to the delight of the visitors. “Khaozao Sey Sumai is one of the main festivals of the Khiamniungans, an integral part woven in the fabric of the social life. It is a post harvest festival of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest, for blessing the village with young men and women, blessing their livestock and granting success in all activities throughout the year. It is a time to forgive, renew friendship ties and forge new relationships through friendship treaty between individuals, clans, khel and villages by sharing wine from one Khaotsao (bamboo rice beer mug) and food in one plate.
During the occasion, the warriors announce their achievements in warfare by declaring the number of enemy heads they have taken. This is done so, to challenge and encourage others to do much better in the following year thereby promoting healthy competition. Khaotsao Sey festival marks the end of the year and the ushering in of the New Year. It is a time of complete rest with plenty of wine, food and meat and a daylong celebration with folk dance and singing. It ends by seeking blessing and protection from the almighty, in the coming year.
“Pitau Lim”
The Nsong Village Cultural Troupe (Zeliang) performed “Pitau Lim” (Butterfly dance). This dance is inspired by the graceful movements of the butterflies in flight. The attractive colours and graceful flight of the butterflies bring cheer to the people especially after the hard labour in the fields.
Other cultural troupes performed in today’s programme includes Chingdang Village Cultural Troupe (Konyak), Waromong Village Cultural Troupe (Ao), Phaijol Village Cultural Troupe (Kuki), Kithagha Village Cultural Troupe (Rengma), Phoyisha Range Cultural Troupe (Pochury), Pholami Village Cultural Troupe (Chakhesang, Mezoma Village Cultural Troupe (Angami), Tuensang Village Cultural Troupe (Chang), Yehemi Village Cultural Troupe (Sumi), Wokha Village Cultural Troupe (Lotha), Kachari Cultural Troupe, Purana Bazar (Dimapur), Orangkong Village Cultural Troupe (Longleng, Phom), Ekranipathar Village Cultural Troupe (Dimapur) Garo and Angangba Village Cultural Troupe (Sangtam).