Section of gathering during Metümnyo in Kohima on August 8.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 8
The Yimkhiung community in the state capital Kohima celebrated its premier festival Metümnyo at Botanical Garden, Kohima on August 8.
Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) President Akum Yimkhiung highlighted the significance of the festival.
He said that Metumnyo is celebrated by Yimkhiung community every year in the second week of August for about five days after the harvest of millet.
One of the most important significance during this time of festival is one forgives with one another if there was a misunderstanding in the past and free the slaves like from their clan or family.
Major activities were involved during the festival session. Footpath were cleaned and road leading to fields were cleaned and inter –village road are also renovated, so as to keep the cordial relationship with neighboring village.
The festival is celebrated after the harvest of millet rice, out of which local brew were prepared and started enjoying the drinks.
Those children born last year after last festival and those born before the current festival are marked as God’s blessing and their soul are cleanse by offering 6 pieces of meat for the male and 5 pieces of meat for the female wrap in with banana leafs seeking to bless their soul to God.
Marriage engagements (betrothed) were also made during this festive session where the young lovers apprise their parents to tie the knots for their marriage.
Friends and relative are also invited from far and near and treat them with the finest brew and wine and offer meat and food as the usual practices of the festival.
Inculcating a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood as a customary practices married sister offer gifts made out of seasoned rice beer and agricultural product were given to their brother and in return brothers give them meat and other products.
The whole means of the festival revolves around the good life, hope and friendship and peace and also to recall the memories of the love ones who left for the heavenly abode.
Meanwhile, the celebration also witnessed short speech from YTC Finance Secretary Yinkiu. He stressed on the need to foster unity, strengthen bonds and to growth together as a progressive community.
Earlier, welcome address delivered by YUK Vice President Topong while Athong presented a special number. The programme was chaired by YUK Assistant General Secretary Kumtsu while Rachel, Associate Women Pastor invoked God’s blessings. Vote of thanks was proposed by YUK General Secretary Kiutan Simon.
