Phom Monyiu 2023 celebration in Kohima was organized by Phom Union Kohima on April 1. The celebration was marked by songs and cultural presentations from Hamngoi Miikho, Phom Students’ Union Kohima, Youth Department. Kohima Phom Baptist Church, Tamlu Biihii Union Kohima, Bhumnyu Union Kohima and Phomla Hoichem Kohima unit. Monyiu is the premier festival of Phom Nagas. (Morung Photo)
Phom community in Kohima celebrates Monyiü 2023
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 1
The Phom community in Kohima celebrated its premier festival Monyiü at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima on April 1. Gracing the festival as the special guest, MLA B Bangtick Phom extended Monyiü greetings to the Phom community across the state and called upon them to strive to be better in whatever they do.
“Where there is unity, God will always open the door for us,” he said. Like unity is strength let us live with unity, become humble and when we do this, God would eventually open doors good opportunities for us, he added and said, ‘God will bless us more if we imbibe unity and humility in our life as there is much strength in unity.’
He said that there should not be division based on village, area or constituency but remain united as a Phom then only we can go ahead. Let there be one sentiment and one goal to live in unity and for a successful community, he said.
Monyiü is celebrated for 6 days beginning from April 1 to 6 every year. This is a spring festival normally observed after the sowing is done in paddy fields. This is to invoke God’s blessing to have a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, the festival is also a time of jubilation, sharing of love and concern with relatives and friends by the exchange of gift, rice beer, meat and various food items and also by making merriment.
Earlier, Phom Union Kohima, President, Dr S Manyaü delivered welcome address while Rev Phomlee Van, Pastor, Kohima Phom Baptist Church (KPBC) invoked God’s blessing. The celebration was marked by songs and cultural presentations from Hamngoi Miikho, Phom Students’ Union Kohima, Youth department KPBC, Tamlu Biihii Union Kohima, Bhumnyu Union Kohima and Phomla Hoichem Kohima unit. Vote of thanks was proposed by PUK vice president P. Imti Mokholee while V. Lunpang, convenor Phoppii Ghung KPBC pronounced benediction. Organized by Phom Union Kohima, the celebration concluded with Monyiü feast.
‘Unity is a powerful force that can bring about positive change’
Sharing greetings, Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Kohima (ENPUK) President, N Toshi Chang said “Monyu is the premier, the most popular and biggest festival of the Phom community and its main feature is the tradition where the male members of the family show love, affection and renewal of their love towards their married daughters or sisters by presenting them with the finest and purest gifts specially prepared for them.”
He expressed happiness over such conduct which reflects the status of Phom women in the society. He also said that the celebration is more importantly about fostering unity and building stronger bonds among the people.
Toshi wanted to see that the Phom community carries on the legacy laid down by forefathers in a wider and broader sense to empower the whole community.”
When we come together to celebrate, we set aside our differences; and focus on our shared experiences and values, learn to appreciate the diversity that exists within our community and recognize that we are all interconnected, he said.
He maintained that unity is a powerful force that can bring about positive change “in our lives and in society and with that, we can achieve greatness and overcome even the most gruesome challenge.”
Today, where we are often divided by our differences, celebrating our unity is more important than ever, he said adding that “Monyu festival is a testament to unity and solidarity and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.”
‘We need to come together as one’
Kohima Village Council Chairman, Helievio Solo in his greetings, said, “Nagas are one and at this juncture, Nagas need more discourse rather than big political groups. We need to come together as one and we should not allow hatred, lies, corruption, manipulation, and bitterness to weaken and divide the Nagas.”
Stating that Monyiü festival also celebrates the renewal and strengthening of friendships among the community, Solo wanted to see that the friendship between the Phom community in Kohima and the Kohima village emerges stronger than ever.
“Traditionally we have village states, each village has complete sovereign of its own whether big or small. Our festivals are old religions that encompass diverse traditions and believe system with value of acceptance, mutual respect and peace. Therefore, let us look back to the ideal traditional practices and oral narration passed down to us, 'the elders first' and put the common good of the Nagas above all,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of in-laws, TL Kiusumong Tikhir, ADC Jalukie said that Nagas are unique people and world has recognized the uniqueness of the Naga culture. We need to take forward each other culture, he said adding “Monyiü is all about the greatness of unity and promoting the culture by educating each other. The festival is all about the feeling of oneness where we all care for each other.”
