Villagers join mass social work in Zhavame village on August 13.
Kohima, August 13 (MExN): A mass social work was conducted from Chilüdü to Phrübu in Zhavame village under Phek district on August 13.
In Zhavame village, the stretch of agricultural road at Chilüdü holds both practical and cultural significance.
Every year, the menfolk of the village come together to carry out a mass social work along this route, a tradition handed down by their forefathers. This collective effort, rooted in community spirit, focuses on the upkeep and maintenance of the agricultural road once all other essential farming and village tasks have been completed.
This tradition is more than a practical measure for road maintenance. t is a reaffirmation of unity, cooperation, and respect for ancestral customs. The timing is deliberate, ensuring that the agricultural road is in good condition for the farming season ahead, facilitating smooth transportation of produce and movement to the fields.
On this day, the roles within the community follow long-established customs.
Womenfolk traditionally remain at home, engaging in household tasks and craftwork such as weaving, basket-making, or other handicrafts that contribute to family and village life. In some cases, women may go to the fields. However, custom dictates that they must return home before the men complete their work and head back to the village. Traditionally, it is believed that if any misfortune or untoward incident were to occur after the men have left them behind, it would be considered a bad omen.
By maintaining this practice, Zhavame not only preserves a functional agricultural route but also keeps alive a cultural legacy that has bound its people together for generations. The day serves as a living reminder of the community’s shared responsibility and the balance of traditional roles, ensuring that both the land and the customs remain well-tended for the future.
