Tinsukia, July 8 (MExN): The Sema Naga community of Upper Assam came together to celebrate Tuluni at Longtong village in Tinsukia district on July 8.
The event, organised by the Longtong Village Council, witnessed vibrant participation. Tuluni marks the end of the agricultural season and is a time to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
An update received here stated that the Sema Nagas, also known as Sümi, originally belong to Nagaland, particularly the Zunheboto district, where their cultural roots remain strong.
“In the early 20th century, a group of them were brought by the British from the Naga Hills to Assam before World War I to serve in the Political Labour Corps (P.L.C.), while others were employed as domestic helpers. After retirement, they initially settled near the Lekhapani railway bridge (close to Stilwell Park), but the area proved unsuitable for cultivation. With official permission, they later relocated near the Tirap River in 1931,” it stated.
According to the press note, today, there are six Sema villages in Upper Assam, “with Longtong being the first and now nearing its centenary.”
“Despite being far from their ancestral homeland, the community has faithfully safeguarded their language, customs, rituals, and festivals. This preservation is upheld through strong village councils and spiritual ties with the Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK), an association of over 170 Sümi Baptist churches across Nagaland and Assam, which provides pastoral leadership and cultural guidance to communities,” it asserted.
The celebration began with an invocation prayer by Pastor Saikha Chishi, followed by a welcome address from Kahoto Sema, President of the All Assam Sema Naga Council. The Christian Education Ministry led the opening ceremony, and Pitoi Chophi offered the Tuluni blessing prayer. Dr G Kanato Chophy, Assistant Professor at Dibrugarh University, presented a brief note on the festival’s cultural relevance, followed by a speech from Mr. K. Mere, General Manager of NECF, CIL Margherita.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the day, including folk songs by Vito and Angukivi (YAP), the Aphilo Kuwo war dance by Paharpur Village, Thighale by Longtong Women Group, and Ayekuzu Le by Lalpahar Women Group. Although some invited dignitaries could not attend, the presence of Bolin Chetia, MLA of Sadiya, was warmly acknowledged by the gathering. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Shitoi Sema, President of the Tuluni Festival Committee.
“For the Sema Nagas living far from their ancestral land, Tuluni is a reminder that tradition can survive migration and that culture can endure through time. In every song sung and every shared meal, their heritage is defined, not forgotten. It is in such moments that a community remains connected to its past while moving forward with pride,” it added.
