Noklak Deputy Commissioner, Hiazu Meru speaks during the celebration of Tsokum festival organised by the KTC at its treasurer’s residence in Noklak town on October 5. (DIPR Photo)
Noklak, October 6 (MExN): Tsokum, the premiere festival of Khiamniungans, was celebrated at Noklak town on October 5 at Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) treasurer’s residence with the Noklak Deputy Commissioner, Hiazu Meru as special guest.
Through festival, people unite and bring unity among the people, Meru said on the occasion, while noting that the Naga history is based on oral tradition and through festivals, people learn about culture, tradition, custom, dress and food habits, which are their identities.
According to a DIPR report, he also highlighted how farming was the integral part of the Naga ancestors and how they organised festival to give thanks and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest.
The DC also challenged the gathering to practice good qualities of their ancestors and to pass it down to the next generation.
While appreciating the KTC for inviting and organising the festival, Meru expressed hope that through Tsokum, the Khiamniungan community would be blessed.
Explaining its significance, the Head GB of Noklak town, Heme stated that Tsokum is a festival of dedication to commence the harvest in the jhum field, the report said.
The celebration can last upto eight days by performing different forms of rites and rituals, he informed.
During the festival, each and every family used to offer prayer and make sacrifices by killing domesticated animals to the god (kou-o) for fertility of crops, bountiful harvest, to bless their livestock and grant health to human, Heme elaborated.
The essence of festival is for unity, peace and harmony for the people of Khiamniungan, he added.
Heme further noted that the Tsokum marks the beginning of harvest and no one is is allowed to reap and take the newly harvested rice/grains before the festival as it is believed that unfavorable events and famines befalls upon or family.
During the festival, people enjoy with sharing of food, meat, rice beer to relatives, friends and guest or even to the stranger who happens to come during the festive occasion and the host of the community feast i.e. the memeipou (rich men), invite rich and poor alike, signifying love, concern and unity, he explained.
Earlier, a cultural folk song called Hoi-e Tsui was presented by Khiamniungan Cultural Club, Noklak town while KTC President, M Thangou welcomed the gathering. Among others, it was attended by District Administration, Commandant 45 Assam Rifles, HoDs of different departments, civil societies, Church leaders and elders.
Meanwhile, Advisor for Printing, Prisons and Stationaries, H Haiying hosted the Tsokum festival celebration at his residence in Noklak on October 5. At the event, BJP President, Noklak district, M Pushing appreciated the State Government for encouraging the celebration of local festivals of every tribe in Nagaland.
Significance of Tsokum festival was delivered by Bushem, 56th A/C BJP Party Advisor and a short speech was delivered by President NDPP, 56th A/C Noklak, Lamthai, the report added.
