Youths performing a Sumi traditional dance at the Tuluni festival celebration in Lhothavi village, Dhansiripar sub-division on July 8.
Lhothavi village celebrates Tuluni
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 8
Festivals should be a time for promoting friendship and peace, said Hekani Jakhalu Kense at the Tuluni festival celebrated at Lhothavi village on July 8. Hekani, who is the founder and chair of YouthNet, was speaking as the chief guest at the annual Sumi post-sowing festival organised by Lhothavi village.
While the Naga social fabric may outwardly appear as one cohesive whole, she noted that the divisions among villages, churches and even political cannot be ignored. In such a context, she said that festivals like Tuluni can serve as catalyst for the people to unite as one and eradicating hatred and disunity among the communities. She said, “Let this kind of festival promote peace and unity.”
According to her, Tuluni is a big festival for the community that radiates oneness and brotherhood and this spirit, she said should be used as an exemplar by the villagers and the people in general to take forward the society towards peace and prosperity.
SDO (Civil), Dhansiripar, Berimong Chang, who was also among the guests, termed Tuluni as the soul of the Sumi community and emphasised the importance of upholding the traditional value system despite the onslaught of westernisation. The lack of written script notwithstanding, he said that the various tribal festivals serve as just the right platform “to promote our culture and identity.”
According to him, generosity, hospitality, openness and fearlessness has been the hallmark of the Sumi community and that it should be the endeavour of all to uphold these qualities.
With Naga traditional practices closely linked to agriculture, he also encouraged the community to cultivate and promote conservation efforts.
Head Gaonbura of Lhothavi, Khetoho Tsuqu, while extending Tuluni greetings, said that the celebration of the traditional festivals is, in essence, an ode to the forefathers and for the younger generation to appreciate “one’s own root.”
