Morung Express News
Kisama | February 25
“Sekrenyi is a time to remember the legacy passed on to us by our ancestors,” said Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi, APO President on February 25 where the Angami Public Organisation celebrated Sekrenyi with frontal Organisations at Kisama, Bamboo Hall.
While addressing a small yet significant crowd of Angami leaders during the Sekrenyi celebration, Dr. Seleyi also stated a few concerns of frontal organizations pertaining to peace and reconciliation of all Nagas at crucial times of the Indo-Naga talks.
“To reach a peaceful settlement without any violence and bloodshed is our main agenda,” stated Dr. Seleyi while updating the leaders on the current mission of APO in attempting to unite all NPGs in the Angami region. The APO President also shared concerns over the turbulent violence and enmity emerging in Tuensang and Kiphire and further wished the communities for peace and goodwill in the name of Sekrenyi.
Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, NPF President was the special guest for the celebration stressed on the significance of Sekrenyi and the importance of one’s identity and roots. Sekrenyi or Phousanyi means the cleansing of the soul, mentioned Dr. Liezietsu, and although we have left aside the rituals because of the advent of Christianity, we must celebrate what our ancestors has given us.
Stressing on the importance of knowing one’s roots, Dr. Liezietsu asserted that the strength of the tree is determined by the roots, and likewise an individual must know his origin. Some important questions laid down for the future generation were, ‘Where we come from. What do others say about us? What kind of stories do people have about us?’
“Your name which is given to you by your parents or elders with meaning, the name of your village, and the name of your nation holds great importance,” stated the NPF President while also regretting the fact that many indigenous names in Naga society has corrupted due to mispronunciation and the lack of willingness to correct the mistakes.
Therefore the importance of the indigenous terms and one’s history must be well taught and learned. Names are very important but over the years they have been misused, stated Dr. Liezietsu while citing the example of Dimapur which was originally Kuda in the Angami language. Dr. Liezietsu further urged the people to try to start using the original names again.
Also discussing on the values of the Nagas which are revered by outsiders, Dr. Liezietsu also shared the dilemma of incorporating such values in changing times. Citing the example of Democracy, in the traditional Naga society where the Naga society is governed through the voice and opinion of the public, Dr. Liezietsu affirmed that the decision of the public has so much power and that the public’s decision is always the last word.
The celebration was followed by a Sekrenyi feast.
With the advent of Christianity, the rituals of Sekrenyi are only practiced by the few followers of the Krüna or Tsana religion (Ancestor’s beliefs). However, the Festival is still celebrated across the Angami region to preserve the culture of the Angamis. Phousanyi, and popularly known as Sekrenyi is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year and a new beginning.
