Kyong Nchumchio Okho members at the press conference on November 4 announcing the upcoming Tokhu Night 2026. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 4
The Kyong Nchumchio Okho (KNO) is set to host the Tokhu Night 2026 on November 7 at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur. The event, coinciding with the Lotha post-harvest festival, Tokhu Emong, will be headlined by the Mahila IR Band. The band is an all-women ensemble of the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila battalion, Nagaland Police, that has gained nationwide attention.
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, on November 4, KNO officials stated that the musical evening aims to promote local Lotha talent while giving a platform to emerging youth alongside senior artists. R Nzambemo Lotha, Member of the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission, will attend the programme as the special guest.
Detailing the lineup, KNO Advisor Benjamin Merry announced that the roster features popular acts such as Lumka and Yan, Struggler Boys frontman Phyobemo Humtsoe, and Meribeni Patton, who recently released her Tokhu track ‘Vami Tokhu’. Emerging Lotha artists including Lideno Ngullie and Mhajan Jami will present their own compositions. The evening will also feature comedy by Wopen Tsopoe and Friends, alongside musical sets by Hindi group The Finalist and rock fusion band Azaro.
Stating that the festival extends beyond one community, Merry said, “Music has no language. This is not organised only for the Lothas, and we invite people from all backgrounds across Nagaland to come and enjoy the evening.”
The organisers confirmed that the concert is free of cost and non-ticketed, running from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the venue. Stalls serving traditional Lotha cuisine and non-alcoholic refreshments will be open to visitors inside the premises.
KNO Chairman Mhademo Kithan appealed to attendees to maintain decorum, stating that alcohol will be strictly prohibited on the premises.
“Whenever there are large public gatherings, issues with intoxication and disturbances can occur. We appeal to the public to keep this in mind and help us conduct the program peacefully,” Kithan said.
Kithan said that the KNO, established in 2010 as a non-profit body, relies on member contributions and well-wishers to conduct community outreach, including free medical camps and charity aid. He expressed appreciation to the Deputy Chief Minister and state police authorities for their assistance. Volunteer teams will manage crowd movement and parking, while coordination with the Dimapur police has been arranged for venue security.
