Kiusumew, Keoshu and others during Tsakran Nyan festival in Kohima on September 7. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 7
The Yimkhiung community in the state capital Kohima today celebrated Tsakran Nyan festival at State Academy Hall, Kohima with much zest and traditional gaiety. The festival was organised by Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) under the theme “Reminiscing our cultural heritage.”
Tsakran Nyan is an important festival of Chirr speaking dialect of Yimkhiung Naga tribe. The word 'Tsak' means grain (of all kinds), 'ran' shortened form for rhanvuh means harvest prospect of the year and nyiing meaning festival.
The literal translation and meaning of 'Tsakrannyung' is correlated to thanksgiving as well as invoking for the bountiful harvest for the current year. The festival is spread over three days in the first week of September (Yasah) every year after the harvest of the millet.
S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung, Advisor, Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Relief & Rehabilitation graced the festival as the special guest.
Addressing the celebrants, he called upon the Yimkhiung community to renew friendship through this Tsakran Nyan and march forward under the banner of unity.
S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports also shared greetings and called upon the community to reason together and strive for peaceful and progressive society.
Special invitee Vipopal Kintso, former chairman Kohima Municipal Council stressed on the need to erase the colour of division and urged the Yimkhiung community to cultivate a sense of oneness.
Shophu, former VCC Salomi village and M. Yinkiu, finance secretary Yimkhiung Tribal Council also addressed the gathering.
YUK president A. Akum delivered welcome address while significance of Tsakran Nyan was shared by Er. Muleki, Superintendent of Police (MT), Chumoukedima.
Vote of thanks was proposed by L. Foki, Convenor, Organizing Committee.
Earlier, Wongtokiu, Pastor, Yimkhiung Baptist Borii, Kohima and Rev Dr Fr Obed Yimkhiung, vice principal, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama prayed for the programme.
The festival was marked by folk songs, demonstration of millet harvest and Tsakran Nyan feast.
Remain rooted in one’s culture: ADC Pungro
At Pungro town, the Yimkhiung community celebrated Tsakran Nyüng under the theme “Harmony through Heritage.”
Speaking on the importance of the festival, ADC Pungro, James Khulu stressed on the importance of the perseverance of culture. He said that the festival reminded of his childhood days and the transcendence that has taken place thus far. He urged upon the gathering not to be carried away by modernization and to remain rooted in one’s culture for the posterity.
JB Shahoto, President GB’s Union Pungro Sub- Division, while speaking on the occasion pointed out the diverse culture of the Yimkhiung Naga. He called upon all to celebrate and to live in unity. Y Makezho, Executive Chairman Yimkhiung Tribal Council, while extending the festival greetings, spoke on peace and prosperity and to live in harmony.
The event screened a short video clip on millet harvesting. Tsakran Nyüng is celebrated from September 6-8 every year after the harvest of millet. It signifies thanksgiving and invoking for the bountiful yearlong harvest of the current year.
