Zhaleo bats for change, unity and development on Metumnyo Fest

New Showuba, August 7 (MExN): The Yimkhiung Nagas of Loyir village, New Showuba, celebrated Metumnyo (Medümnyio) festival on August 7 with Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), Advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department as the special guest. 

Zhaleo stated that Medümnyio being one major festival of the Yimkhiung Nagas, is related to purification of the soul and body as well as agricultural activities. He opined that the festival is akin to Sekrenyi festival of the Angami Nagas where purification of oneself is of utmost importance besides other activities. 

He advised the people to be purified at heart and be living examples in the society today. "These festivals are integral part of our identity and so we must practice, learn, share and also teach the younger generation of the indepth values", he said while urging people to promote the rich cultures and traditions among Nagas. He further appealed that "We must relinquish and forget the deep-rooted 'ism' in order to bring unity, change and development".

The Advisor was accompanied by G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor, Land Resources Department; Sara S Jamir, DC Niuland and NDPP party officials from central, region as well as leaders from his constituency, 5 Ghaspani-II A/C. 

Later, Rio also declared a volleyball match between veterans of Loyir village. The festival was organised by the Church Building Construction Committee of Loyir Baptist Church where H Ramtsüla chaired the function and Dr James, Pastor, YBC Diphupar invoked the blessings of God earlier.