Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, MLA and Advisor Kazheto Kinimi, and residents pose for a group photograph during the Ahuna Festival 2026 celebration at Ikishe Village Block C on November 14.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 15 (MExN): The Sumi community celebrated its traditional post-harvest festival, Ahuna, at Ikishe Village Block C in Dimapur and in Phek district on November 14, with traditional activities, cultural performances and calls to preserve the community's cultural heritage.
At Ikishe Village Block C, the Ahuna Festival 2026 was hosted by MLA and Advisor to the Nagaland government, Kazheto Kinimi, at his residence. The programme brought together residents of the block, community leaders and guests, including Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who is also a resident of Ikishe Village Block C.
The programme was chaired by Kakhevi Kinimi. Rev Ghoshito, Pastor of Ikishe Village Baptist Church (IVBC), offered the invocation, followed by a special prayer for the residents of Block C by Rev Luhevi, Senior Pastor of IVBC.
Speaking at the celebration, host Kazheto Kinimi encouraged the Block C Welfare Committee to continue organising traditional festivals. He said such occasions provide an opportunity for people to come together, develop mutual understanding and strengthen unity among residents.
Patton expressed happiness at being part of the celebration and highlighted the significance of traditional festivals in bringing communities together. Drawing parallels between the Lotha community's Tokhü Emong and the Sumi community's Ahuna, he observed that both festivals are associated with the rice harvest.
He expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the harvest and prayed for continued blessings so that the festivals could be celebrated in unity and harmony in the years ahead.
As a gesture of support towards the celebration, Patton donated Rs 1 lakh to the Block C Welfare Committee and Rs 5,000 each to the programme participants and cultural performers.
Shetovi Awomi, retired Joint Director of Border Affairs, spoke on the significance of Ahuna, describing it as more than a post-harvest celebration. He said the festival provides an occasion for the Sumi Nagas to express gratitude to Almighty God for a bountiful harvest after months of hard work.
He also highlighted the cultural and social values associated with the festival, including unity, sharing, togetherness and respect for ancestral traditions. He called for preserving the community's cultural identity and ensuring that traditional practices are passed on to younger generations.
The celebration featured a range of traditional activities and performances representing different sections of the community. These included Thishole presented by the womenfolk of Block C and Lejole by the fathers, besides a traditional couple show, top spinning, spear kicking and an Ahuna cooking competition.
Children also presented Puxa Kuxu performances as part of the cultural programme, adding to the celebration's focus on involving younger generations in traditional practices.
Israel G Xuivi, Deputy Commandant, delivered the vote of thanks, while Jimikali, Woman Pastor of IVBC, pronounced the benediction.
Meanwhile, the Sumi community of Phek district celebrated Ahuna under the aegis of the Sumi Kuqhakulu Phek Phughi (SKPP).
Tokaho Kinimi, Divisional Forest Officer, Phek, graced the occasion as the Ahuna Father. Addressing the gathering as special guest, Kinimi highlighted the significance of Ahuna as a festival of thanksgiving, sharing and peaceful coexistence.
He called upon the community to uphold the spirit of sharing and harmony associated with the festival, while preserving traditional values and adapting to changing times. He said the values represented by Ahuna remained relevant in strengthening relationships and fostering peaceful coexistence within society.
SKPP Advisor Kahoto Zhimomi also spoke on the traditional and cultural significance of the festival. He underscored the responsibility of the younger generation to preserve and practise their cultural heritage, stressing the importance of keeping traditional customs and practices alive.
The Phek celebration featured traditional songs and Lejole performances by men and women, showcasing the community's cultural expressions.
The programme was chaired by Melonie Chophi, General Secretary of SKPP, while SKPP Chairman Tohovi Shohe delivered the vote of thanks.
