Yimkhiung community of Kohima celebrates Metümnyo 2024

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 8
The Yimkhiung community of Kohima today celebrated Metümnyo 2024 with much zest and traditional gaiety at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Organised by Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK), the festival was marked by cultural songs, dances and indigenous games.

Nagaland Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards Minister, CL John graced the festival as the special guest. Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed on the need to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Nagas. He said that the annual Hornbill Festival of Nagaland has gained international attention including Mini Hornbill festival, being held across the state in coinciding with various tribal festivals.

He called upon the Yimkhiung community to develop better understanding and foster peace, love and unity through Metümnyo festival.
Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) Vice President H Hanji said that Metümnyo is one of the most important festivals of the Yimkhiung Nagas. It is celebrated for five days from August 4 to 8. During the olden days, each Yimkhiung village was a village own governed state independent from one another.

All Yimkhiung villages have their own numerous festivals. However every village has agreed to hold common festival on the same day called Metümnyo festival after the harvest of millet every year.

According to Yimkhiung mythology the word Metümnyo has three meanings ‘Me’ means ‘Soul,’ ‘tiim’ means ‘wrap’ and ‘nyo’ means ‘festival.’

Hanji said that Metümnyo brings the community together to restore peace and harmony. It is also observed to pray for protection the crops from disasters. “This festival purifies the life of children and extending the life long,” he said adding that sharing and exchange of meal between family members take place to signify love and unity.

S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung, Advisor, Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Relief & Rehabilitation, Nagaland, Toshi Chang, president EPUK, Helievio Solo, Chairman Kohima Village Council and T Kekongchim, State Information Commissioner, Nagaland also shared greetings.

Earlier, YUK president A. Akum delivered welcome address while vote of thanks was propose by Runshito Limkhiungkhiungru, president Yimkhiung Students’ Union Kohima.

Yimkhiung Students’ Union, Kohima and Surale Cultural Troupe, Chümoukedima presented folk tune. Wongtokiu, pastor YBBK and Rev Dr Fr Obed Yimkhiung, Vice Principal St Joseph’s College (A) Jakhama prayed for the celebration.