Kiuti Khea Tsin Rechip Cultural Troupe performing cultural dance during Tsonglak Nyi festival at Bamboo Hall, Kisama on October 11. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, October 11 (MExN): The Tikhir Union Kohima (TUK) celebrated Tsonglak Nyi at Bamboo Hall, Naga Heritage village, Kisama on October 11.
Special Transport Officer, Alembin was the special guest on behalf of her husband, P Bashangmongba Chang, Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering, stated a DIPR report. Alembin extended festival greetings to the people of Tikhir who had gathered to share the blessing and joy of Tsonglak Nyi festival. “The uniqueness of the Nagas is always defined and recognised by different festivals, cultures and languages spoken,” she maintained.
“The most important aspect of festivals in the Naga society is to strengthen the relationship, the friendship with the neighbouring villages and also to forgive and forget,” she added.
Sharing the significance of Tsonglak Nyi, James Khulu Tikhir (NCS) Under Secretary Home department said Tsonglak Nyi is one of the most important festivals among the Tikhir festivals. It is celebrated for four days from October 9 to 12 every year. The word Tsonglak Nyi is made up of two words- Tsong means Sheild and Lak means sanctification. Tsonglak Nyi basically is a festival of the sanctification of sheild. It also means sanctification of weapon as well as purification of menfolk before going out for hunting (during forefather's time), Khulu informed.
“The village headman announcement for the festival is made known every year to the public three days in advance. This is done so to enable the households/public to prepare necessary arrangement and make enough stock with regard to rice, firewood, rice beer etc that would last for four days,” he added.
Short speech was also delivered by Kiusumong Tikhir, OSD to Chief Minister while TUK President, T Tsuthong delivered welcome address. YT Tsinthong, Pastor TBCK invoked God’s blessing and vote of thanks by TUK Executive Chairman, TL Kiusumong Tikhir.
Elate Fusion Band presented indigenous folk song while Kiuti Khea Tsin Rechip performed folk song and dance. The programme was compered by K Kiukhimthong and T Lemteshi.
