(Left) Er Kihoto Achumi displaying the art of cooking Ahuna (Right) P Tokugha Achumi delivering the welcome address.
Dimapur, November 15 (MExN): The Awotsakilimi Union Dimapur (AUD) along with their in-laws celebrated the Ahuna festival on November 14 at Purana Bazar hosted by P Tokugha Achumi, Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland.
Delivering the welcome address, P Tokugha Achumi thanked the Sümi ancestors for starting the Ahuna festival and stated that celebrating this festival it is still relevant to our present society. He stressed on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and expounded that people who have lost their culture have lost their identity. He also encouraged the members to be a good citizen of society.
Er Kihoto Achumi spoke on the significance of Ahuna festival. “Though the practices and rituals pertaining to Ahuna festival might vary from village to village one village cannot tell the other that their practices is erroneous and inaccurate” he asserted. According to Er Achumi Ahuna festival is about a new beginning as such our lives too should start afresh in lieu of celebrating the festival.
“During our forefathers time it was a taboo for a women to touch or eat Ahuna believing that it will bring them misfortunes that year. They were not allowed to participate in Ahuna rituals and activities. However, Christianity has broken that barrier and today it has become an inclusive festival” he added.
Giving importance to maintain the continuity of customs and traditions especially for the younger generations he also displayed the intricacies of how Ahuna is cooked.
Mghato Achumi exhorted the members who participated in this grand celebration. He encouraged the members to maintain integrity in their lives and be good citizens of our society. The celebration commenced with invocation by Hoho Shikhu, Lecturer, Mission India Bible College and the prayer of blessing was led by Nikhui Achumi, Pastor, SBC Diphupar. Chaired by AUD Chairman Akheto Achumi and recorded by AUD Secretary Inato Y Shikhu the celebration was attended by over 300 people.
