Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand receiving a gift from the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio at the Sekrenyi festival held in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on February 25. (Morung Photo)
Sekrenyi festival to strengthen ties between peoples
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 25
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand today attended the Angami Naga festival Sekrenyi at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama in commemoration with 50 years of Nagaland’s statehood. The event was hosted by the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), under the theme, ‘Fostering unity and oneness.’
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio in his address said that the presence of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn would bring closer cooperation between the Nagas and Thais. He cited the semblance of physical features, food, culture and tradition between the Thais and Nagas and expressed hope for closer ties between the two peoples. The Princess, along with the rest of the gathering, witnessed cultural activities, including traditional fire making, cultural performances, youth medley, Phreda and Sei Bagei, top spinning, war cry, high jump and grease pole climbing.
A Naga unity dance, wrestling exhibition, Sekrenyi chef competition, Agri expo at Bamboo Pavilion, flower exhibition at Hortiscape and exhibition cum sale at Bamboo Pavilion were also held as part of the festival. Earlier, the Sekrenyi blessing was pronounced by Neisa Thol.
Sekrenyi is celebrated by the Angami Nagas in the month of ‘Keno’ (February) after the full moon, every year. It is observed to ensure the good health of the community for the coming year; in soul and body and hence is also regarded as ‘Phousanyi’ (the feast of Ablution). Sekrenyi therefore, consists of two phases; the ritual and the feast, of five days each.
The Sekrenyi rituals commence with ‘Dzuseva’ (the pre-dawn cleansing bath) by all males at the sanctified virgin spring well. Simultaneously, the women perform ‘Kizie’ (the house dedication). On return from the symbolic ablution, an unblemished sacrificial ‘cock of omen,’ for every male person, is strangulated. The tenacity and position of its legs and the fullness of its innards are observed for interpretation of the corresponding individual’s vitality and prosperity.
Thence, the male and female folk maintain segregation in living and in hearth; the male hearth is ignited only through “Süguo Mi (Stick and rope friction fire). Strict chastity is adhered to for three days till ‘Krupo (the adjournment ritual). The ‘Thekrane’ (feast) phase subsequently follows for five days and Sekrenyi is concluded.
