Rev Dr Sanyü Iralu and others during unveiling of Khonoma Semo-Chalieutsumia Kharu at Khurükha, Khonoma on November 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 16
The Khonoma Semo-Chalieutsumia Kharu (Gate) was unveiled at Khurükha, Khonoma under Kohima district on November 16. The gate was unveiled by Rev Dr Sanyü Iralu.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev Dr Iralu said that the gate holds great significance in the village because it protected us from the external, against enemies, internally from disunity and disharmony, as people who broke the law were sent out. “A village to be strong needs a strong gate,” he said.
In the past, it (gate) protected us against the British invasion, and today, the gate that protects us, is the living God, as believers of Christ, he said.
In the past, Rev Dr Iralu said, we trusted in our gate but in the present time we need to put our trust in the living God. To enjoy the blessings, to start afresh and for restoration, we need God to rebuild our walls, which have been torn down by negativity around us, he said.
Further, Rev Dr Iralu called upon the gathering to “humble ourselves and reaffirm our trust in Him, so that He would bless us in greater ways.”
Later, Kuolachalie Seyie, President Naga Club and several others also spoke at the main celebration held at Thezuliedzüke. The Kharu unveiling programme was led by Lovilie Vakha while blowing of trumpet was done by Visosieto Vüprü. The main celebration was chaired by Kevisekho Chücha and compered by Lovilie Vakha and Kekhrienuo Mor.
Rev Tsolie Chase, senior pastor Khonoma Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings and benediction prayer by Savizo Hozoyeh. The programme was also marked by cultural performances and songs from Socüno & Medziphe Semoma, Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation, Merhüma Youth Organisation, Kirha Youth Organisation, Hemang Zeliang youth, Kekhrieyie Belho, Kuki Dance (Molvom Youth & Students), Vihutsu Youth, Mezoma, Nyiseno Youth, Mezoma, Vimeneno Chücha and Lovo & Vipiahu.
About Chalieutsumia Kharu
The Kharu of Chalieutsumia was constructed and in existence since the inception of Khonoma village. Then its periodic reconstruction was continued and one of such reconstruction took place on 28th April, 1948 and also being reconstructed now again on 16 November 2024.
A pamphlet relating to background of Chalieutsumia Kharu stated that Chalieutsumia Kharu is a “Rase” Kharu. A “Rase/genna” Kharu is not an ordinary gate but one which was constructed after certain specific rituals.
It stated that Chalieutsumia Kharu suffered the brunt of Indo-Naga wartime activity where the gate had suffered some disfigurement and blemish inflicted by the dao of the enemy, especially during the time the villagers had to go to the jungle for the Naga Nation’s cause.
According to tradition, such blemish on the gate caused by enemies does not portend well for the community and therefore urgently required to be purged through reconstruction, the pamphlet stated.
Reflections on reconstruction of Chalieutsumia Kharu
The pamphlet stated that “In the process of the reconstruction of the Kharu, one is reminded of how the Israelites under the leadership of Nehemiah rebuilt the broken walls of Jerusalem and whose gates were in ruins, and how they faced several oppositions, but with God's favor and help it was made possible. Likewise, overcoming the oppositions, and also because all had become Christians, it was possible to construct Chalieutsumia Kharu today, which had faced all kind of oppositions over several decades, when there were many non-Christians.”
It indeed is the Lord's doing and it is our prayer that God is glorified today. While the Kharu may serve to remind us of the glories associated with it in the past, but more importantly, may it serve to remind us to look forward to the gates of heaven and strive to be worthy of it, the pamphlet stated.
“Just as our ancestors who would exit or re-enter the Kharu as victorious warriors wearing their battle armor to fight their enemies, may we all as Christians that exit or enter the Kharu be reminded to wear the Armor of God narrated in Ephesians 6:11-13 as we face our daily battles in the physical, mental and spiritual realm. May all who pass through and under this gate be blessed by God and find victory in all their endeavours,” the pamphlet added.
