'Tuluni' treat for occupants of the all-female quarantine centre at New DC Complex, Chümoukedima on July 8 evening. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | July 8
It was an unexpected but relishing 'Tuluni' treat for inmates of the all-female quarantine centre at New DC Complex, Chümoukedima on Wednesday evening.
The returnees were served 'smoked pork and 'axone', the mouth watering traditional dish of the Sumi Nagas, during dinner. For those returnees who don't eat pork, they were served chicken masala and roti.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, spring and summer festivals of various Naga tribes could not be celebrated with the usual fervour and gaiety this 2020 calendar.
Likewise, on Wednesday the celebration of Tuluni, the premiere festival of the Sumis which falls on July 8, was largely confined to homes and small groups.
However, for many inmates of the New DC Complex QC, it was Tuluni "with a difference", away from their families and villages.
"Our heart goes out to those returnees who will be dearly missing their family members, friends and home during festival time," said one lady caterer running the mess of the QC.
Her companion said in an effort to soothe the restive and nostalgic feelings of some of the returnees, they decided to add some variation in the dinner menu, in tune with the Tuluni festival spirit.
“We hope our gesture would also reach out to returnees of different tribes since they have been staying together as a family for quite some time now," the caterers said.
Their reaching-out gesture has received reciprocal responses, via WhatsApp and messages, from many of the inmates.
Terhuja, a returnee from Delhi, said that she was really touched by the ‘kind gesture’ the food committee by giving them Tuluni Special Dinner. In the last 10 days they have been providing us pork, fish, egg etc and today is my 11th day and I am thankful for making us feel like we are home and sharing the love of the festival, she said.
"My full respect and love to all the frontline workers and thank you Govt of Nagaland and the workers at New DC QC for warm welcome and good care", she added.
For, Achumi, a returnee from Guwahati, the food was “excellent” as it was as per Sumi tradition, adding: “When I reached I was little conscious about how it would be but I am very glad that everyone was very kind and we all stayed like a family... I actually didn't miss home and I am going to miss the time spent here and the wonderful people...”
Another returnee from Bangalore, Thapa concurred that the food was “very tasty” with variety.
She opined she feel safe and comfortable at the QC with caring staff and water as well as other facilities.
“Tuluni festival food was really nice thank you for giving nice food,” she added.
