Dimapur, Nov 14 (MExN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today called upon the adventurous and hard-working Sumis to shoulder more responsibilities in bringing about a lasting peace in Nagaland. “Being the largest tribe in Dimapur with more numbers and more villages, our Sumi brothers have to lead and show the way” said Rio. He was gracing the ‘Ahuna 2006’ celebration as the chief guest at DDSC stadium Dimapur.
While describing the Nagas are very rich people with a bright future, Rio said that no enemies can destroy the Nagas but, he lamented, “the enemy is within us.” “Unity,” he said, “is the need of the hour” in which all individuals, tribes, churches and organizations have a role to play. Rio called upon the mammoth gathering of about 7, 000 to rededicate themselves to bring unity, peace and reconciliation “in our mind, in our land and wherever the Nagas are.”
If the people can live peacefully in Dimapur, the only cosmopolitan city in Nagaland, we can go and propagate the message of peace all over Nagaland, Rio further added. He also appreciated the ‘unity of the Nagas’ despite the many political and other forces as well as problems faced by the people.
Nagas are a proud people but the uniqueness of the Nagas will be known only when the rich cultural traditions of the Nagas are preserved said Rio. He urged the people to preserve and promote the rich tradition of the ancestors which has been passed down from generation to generation without which, Rio said, “we will lose our identity.”
Nagas, being agrarians, celebrate festivals seeking God’s blessing for a rich harvest and also enjoy the bountiful harvest during festivals but, Rio said, “We can meaningfully enjoy the festival only if we work hard.” While pointing out festivals would be meaningless if the people think only of rich harvest and celebrations, he said that the town folks are losing work culture. Replying to questions put up by some Christian leaders about following ancestral culture, Rio said, “Yesterday our forefathers gave thanks to the unknown gods but today the people give thanks to the living God.”
Ahuna, the traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis signifies the celebration of the season’s harvest in thanksgiving, while evoking the spirits for good fortune in the New Year. The festival is also a time of plenty and fulfillment, a time of festivity and enjoyment and a time of sharing. It is also a time of peace and reconciliation. Huska Sumi, MLA said that the festival is being celebrated in Dimapur this year to “refresh the memory of the people.” He further expressed hope that with the celebrations, the people would sustain the culture of their ancestors in a fine manner. The celebration was also marked by the various cultural dances, folk songs and traditional competitions.
