Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 14
Under the theme “Strengthening unity & harmony,” over 10,000 from the Chakhesang community in the state capital Kohima today converged at the Kohima Local Ground and celebrated its premier festival Sükrünye with much pomp and traditional gaiety.
“We have traveled from the time of our forefathers who had worshipped the unknown spirit to the present day where we worship God we know and have personal relationship. Despite the great transformation that took place in our civilization, we still hold on to our rich culture and tradition which are still in tune with our present day beliefs,” said Chakhesang Hoho Kohima President Theja Therieh.
He said the practice of purification from the first spring water is christened to the acceptance of sanctification from the blood of Christ that cleanse all our sins, adding that our costumes, ornaments and attires are today sanctified to our new life through this great transformation.
He said that Chakhesang are known for respecting elders, honouring the rich and wealthy people in our community, paying tribute to good physical outlook and structure and in return protection and care from such people are provided in times of need. These qualities of goodwill, services and reciprocation must be the benchmark of our community, Therieh observed. He also stated that our priceless ethos like fear/metha, mepru, taboo/kenyu/kenyi and shame/menyie/menga that guides our moral and ethical values placing our society in this highest order.
Regretting that mutual respect, recognition, goodwill and acceptance are slowly diminishing in our present day society, he strongly viewed that “We must make serious effort to re-visit the old values and unlearnt the wrong practices that we have learnt in the transition and re-learnt the social values to move forward. Stating that Chakhesang tribe is a conglomeration of sub-tribes with multilingual, multicultural, and diverse characters that create a homogenous community, he said “Our unity is a symbol and a model of communities coming together in harmony.”
He called upon each and every individual to rise on the occasion and reach out to all other communities and promote unity and social harmony by breaching inter-tribal differences for collective and inclusive resolutions to various problems. “We must remember the kindness and generosity of our counterparts particularly, the local community, the Angamis to whom we need to reciprocate their goodness with gratitude and strive to maintain cordial relationship for the benefit of all. “Let us renew our commitment and dedication by ameliorating our rich culture and traditions in tune with the changing time,” he added.
Extending greetings, Kohima Village Council chairman Medoselhou Keretsii stressed on the need to revive and promote the good traditional and moral values of the forefathers. He regretted that the good traditional and moral values are diminishing in a wake of modernity and technological advancement.
He also called upon the gathering to maintain and enrich the circle of brotherhood between the Angamis and Chakhesangs. Stating that the bond of brotherhood must be in true spirit, Keretsü said “Let us renew and strengthen our brotherhood in support of our peaceful co-existence.” Sumi Hoho Kohima president Dr. Vinito Chishi said Chakhesang, Sumi and Angami are three brothers, with Angami as the eldest, Chakhesang the second and Sumi the youngest. Also referring to the brotherhood between Sumis and Chakhesangs, he called reinstating the spirit of brotherhood and let it be a long lasting one, adding “We need to sustain and nurture it.” He also stressed on the put a collective effort to settle any problem or issues amicably for once and for all. “Let us come together and resolve the issue on friendly manner,” he said. He also requested the Angamis to extend continuous support, care and protection to its younger brothers-Sumis and Chakhesangs.
Chakhesang Public Organization president Kekhwengulo Lea challenged the Chakhesang community to continue to maintain trustworthy and integrity that Chakhesang are known for. He also called upon the Chakhesang community elsewhere serving in various fields to live upto today’s celebration theme “Strengthening unity and harmony” and also get any past misdeeds corrected through this Sükrünye festival and proceed ahead to bring fame and glory to the community.
The significance of Sükrünye was briefed by ex-minister Z. Lohe while Rev. Zhowhuyi Nyekha and Rev. Pusazo Chiizho invoked God’s blessing. The festival also witnessed vocal ensemble and cultural presentations from Phusachodu village and Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute. Organized by Chakhesang Hoho Kohima, the festival concluded with a grand Sükrünye feast.
