Abu Metha at Thekranyi festival at Khonoma on May 20. (Morung Photo)
The Morung Express presents glimpses of the celebration of Thekranyi 2023 at Khonoma village in Kohima district on May 20. Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland graced the festival as the special guest. Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Task Force for Music & Arts, Chairman Theja Meru as host and co-host of the festival. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Khonoma | May 20
The grand celebration of Thekranyi 2023 through folk songs, indigenous game, village walk at Khonoma village (Kohima district) on May 20, has enthused the visitors from near and far.
Adding a delight to this year’s festivity, Abu Metha, advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland and chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) assured that Thekranyi festival will be part of the official state tourism calendar.
During Thekranyi festival, the young and the age group enjoy and feast, using their earnings from agriculture labour. The process of paddy cultivation starts right after this festival.
Stating that Khonoma village is a legendary village and possesses vast potential for tourism development, Metha maintained that the village is already one of the famous tourist destinations in the country for eco-tourism and green village.
He informed that tourism department will work out a roadmap to carry forward experiential tourism in Khonoma.
Government re-looking at tourism events calendar
Metha said that the state government is re-looking at tourism events calendar in the state.
Nagaland has a policy of “Land of Festivals” which promotes our culture, highlights our heritage and hence we are able to preserve our traditions for the coming generation, he said.
“This is the policy of the state government and in doing that we promote the economy, we bring tourists to Nagaland, we generate jobs and we benefits livelihood,” Metha said.
He said that the people should benefit from the policy of tourism “so that livelihood improvement is there and economic growth is there.”
‘Strengthen unity among the Nagas’
He said that the present state government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio gives importance to every nook and corner of the state.
“Our aim is development. Our aim is progress in inclusive manner,” he said adding that every citizen of Nagaland is member of Team Nagaland.
Nobody should be left behind, he said.
He also stressed on the need to strengthen the bonds of unity among the Nagas.
“How can we make progress, how can we march forward if we are disunited, if we are fighting for each other,” he said.
We should reiterate our unification, thoughts and aspirations, only then Nagaland will move forward, he said.
Let Nagaland be known for the right reason
In the past 4 years, he said, Nagaland has made a significant progress in the field of music and performing arts, adding that Nagaland, is, today known throughout the world because of our musicians, artists and performers.
“This is call pushing Naga soft power, pushing brand Nagaland, taking Nagaland towards a state of excellence,” he said.
Let Nagaland be known for the right reason, for the positive reason. Let Nagaland be celebrated because of the talents and achievements of our youths, he added.
The youngsters and younger generation must understand that today knowledge is power, he said adding “You must empower yourself with knowledge and quality education.”
It is only through knowledge, you will be able to combat, overcome the hurdle which lies ahead in the new environment of the global village, he said.
Stating that the platform of social media must be used in a positive manner, he told the people to use it wisely to empower themselves.
Nagaland’s Women Resources Development & Horticulture, Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse, who is also host of the festival, shared greetings. Nagaland’s Youth Resources & Sports, Advisor S Keoshu Yimchunger also spoke on the occasion.
The celebration was chaired by L. Kenneth Punyu while welcome address was delivered by Ngusa Ratsa, chairman, Khonoma Village Council. Vote of thanks was proposed by co-host and Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) chairman Theja Meru.
