Senapati, January 8 (MExN): The 3- day Poumai Thounii celebration with the theme “our culture is our identity” organized by Poumai Naga Union hosted by Poumai Karong- Senapati held at Senapati public ground concluded on January 7. Poumai Thounii is one of the oldest and most popular customary festivals of Poumai community.
On January 4 the introductory session of the festival, Thounii celebration chairman organizing committee Soloni Pao in his brief on “our culture is our identity” urged the gathering to preserve one’s own culture and identity.
On January 5, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education Nagaland, Deo Nukhu graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address Deo urged to revive the good customary culture of our forefathers. He also reminded that culture identify people and advised against losing culture in the midst of modernization. He encouraged the gathering not identify with one’s community, and at the same time foster unity for a better future.
BJP National vice president ST Morcha, Ramesh Meena in his address said the unique culture of Poumai community should be fostered to strengthen the tribe, the Naga people and India as a whole. He informed that the Government of India is seriously working for the development of Northeast and also towards solution to the Naga issue.
Vice president Naga Hoho, Samsong Raimai in his address urged the participants to preserve culture as people are lost without their identity. Manipur MLA, Dr. V. Alexander Pao address encouraged the gathering to inculcate the habit of hard working passed down by the forefathers. He urged the community to set good example to the neighbors and work together with unity.
The inaugural session was led by Johnson Raih, welcome to the thounii celebration by Koide village council, invocation prayer by Rev. Fr. Simon Thaikho, welcome address by Akha Dani president PNU, special songs were presented by Life pages, Mt. Everest college students and Lao Radiant HR.Sc.school, cultural dance by Laii dance troupe, vote of thanks proposed by Ashipri Zho and closing pronounced by Rev. H. Gideon.
Earlier, the Chief Guest unveiled the monolith of the festival, released the souvenir and inaugurated the cultural fair followed by inspection of 24 villages exhibition and demonstration of Poumai indigenous products. Around 15,000 people attended the celebration including a host of dignitaries, former ministers, MLAs, social workers, public, leaders of various organizations and others.
Khopu wins Poumai Thounii wrestling
PS Khopu from Phuba village emerged as champion of the Poumai Thounii festival wrestling competition. He was awarded Rs. 1, 00,000 and a certificate. Sh. Rolland of Tungam village, H. John of Saranamai village and S. Veinii from Tungjoy village bagged the second, third and fourth prize and received a sum of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000 and Rs.20,000 respectively. Chairman ADC Senapati, M.L. Markson graced the wrestling competition as the chief guest. In his address urged the gathering to show good example to neighbors and also encouraged to be an agent of unity in the community. The wrestling event was led by S.P. Raile, special presentations by Rahbo band and Maiden group, and invocation prayer by Rev. D.L. Sapuni. Altogether 16 wrestlers from three regions of Poumai tribe competed for the title.
Vasonela crowned Miss Poumai Thounii
19-yr-old Vasonela, a BA 2nd semester student of Mt. Everest College Senapati, was crowned Miss Poumai Thounii. She walked home richer with Rs. 1, 00,000. The 1st and 2nd runners-up prize were bagged by Taiveinai (Purul) and Rose (Oinam) and received Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. The other individual title winners are: Miss Congeniality bagged by Paosei Paokhomai, Miss perfect ten bagged by Teveine Bliss, Miss Catwalk bagged by Paone Pao, Miss popular by Athine, and Miss photogenic bagged by Litsiiveihrii Domeh. All of them received a sum of Rs. 10,000 each.
