Kevito T Shohe
President, Kohima Sumi Hoho
I extend my greetings to one and all on behalf of Kohima Sumi Hobo on the occasion of Tuluni festival which is observed every year on July 8. Owing to the Pandemic situation we are unable to celebrate the festival collectively this year. However, our spirits are not down as our morale is high and therefore keeping the festive feelings alive I am not deterred to share about the significance of the day, which I like to share in brief through the platform of Kohima Sumi Hoho for the benefits of the younger generation in particular.
Nagaland is called the ‘Land of festival’ of which Tuluni festival is one of the major part, a festival celebrated by the Sumi tribe. While observing the day we should rediscover some of the noble qualities of our ancestors who had lived with honesty, kindness, generosity, integrity and bravery aptly called “Warriors.”
Tuluni festival is celebrated to welcome the arrival of the new crop/fruit from the field. Prayers are offered to thank God for the abundant yield in the preceding year. It is also a time to exchange and share among the members which keeps the social bond alive and strong in the community. Betrothed couples make their engagement official wherein the girl’s family expresses their willingness to accept the boy by inviting him over to a feast at the girl’s house.
Many of us have left our native villages and assimilated to the rapidly emerging life styles of living in settlements of mixed culture and hence, tend to forget our root and foundation. But we should not forget the tradition passed down to us through the ages because this is the very foundation of our origin. In order to revive this, we must preserve the good practices of loving and respecting one another so that the social fabric is not broken. These practices are to be applied not only amongst ourselves but even more towards others who will be our witness. Portraying the beauty in us and in influencing others as one major tribe of Nagaland is our duty. “Blessed in the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance” Psalms 33.12.
Kohima Sumi Hoho stands for Social harmony, peaceful co-existence and Social co-ordination at all times. God bless you all.
