Dimapur, October 12 (MExN): Tikhir Union Dimapur celebrated its annual Tsonglaknyi festival on October 11 at the residence of Union Treasurer Er S I Asangba Eralibil.
The programme was chaired by Y Kiusuthong, with invocation by T Yamthong, Pastor, Dimapur TBC, and welcome address by T Shiuthong, President of Tikhir Union Dimapur (TUD). A special song marking Tsonglaknyi was presented by Pentsü R, while the significance of the festival was explained by N Yutsü, Advisor, TTC. The vote of gratitude was delivered by T C Chuba, Executive Chairman, TUD, and the benediction was pronounced by Kurak, Youth Pastor, DTBC.
N Yutsü explained that the word Tsonglaknyi means the sanctification of shields and weapons and the purification of men in the village to ensure success in traditional headhunting practices. Historically observed just before the harvest season, the festival runs from October 9 to 12, after completion of most fieldwork. Villagers prepare their fields during the first two days and gather in the evenings at the Morung, where both young boys and elders perform traditional dances. The festival continues to be an important cultural event for the Tikhir community, symbolising unity, preparation for harvest, and the preservation of traditional customs.
