Like every other tribe, Tikhirs have many festivals throughout the year. But of all the festivals, Tsonglaknyi is the main festival of the Tikhir Naga tribe which is celebrated every year from 9th to 12 October. The sanctification of shield, spears and daos or sanctification of war weapons in other words was the essence of this festival in olden times. The word ‘Tsong’ means shield; ‘lak’ means to sanctify or sanctification and ‘nyi’ means festival. So ‘Tsonglak-nyi’ literally means festival of sanctification (of shield). In the past, Tsonglaknyi was also known as ‘Tsongsienyi’ which is more or less synonymous with the word Tsonglaknyi. The sanctification or purification as the main object of this particular festival was being practiced by our forefathers with the belief that more heads would be brought and many animals would be killed by purifying war weapons and men folk before they set out for head-hunting and hunting of wild animals. After being announced for the festival on the first day each morung would be thronged by their respective male members where they narrate tales and practise folk songs and dance and then each dancing group would do visiting rounds in other khels till the day three evening. This activity culminates on the fourth day when all the weapons are collected and lined where upon rituals would be performed by the oldest man or priest praying for good luck and victory. This act of sanctification is called “Tsonglak” and this festival is known as “Tsonglak-nyi”.
In real sense, festival is the time of joy, fun and merry making for people irrespective of tribe, race, religion or whatsoever but that is not exactly so for the Tikhir Nagas. This means amidst festivity on one side there is the feeling of being alienated or neglected by the State Govt. and big brothers (major tribes) on the other side. No matter how big or small, backward or forward, our right is as big as any other tribe. But till today our dream and our right -to live as the recognised tribe has not been fulfilled. We don’t want to keep saying “we are different from X tribe; we were/are not under any tribe” why because our unique culture and history say it all. Just look at our people, our existence and our way of life. We were never and are not under any tribe despite toll claims being made by a certain tribe otherwise, had the claims been true, war would not have occurred between us often. But sadly, Govt. does nothing for us in spite of long fervent demand. We are being sidelined and neglected in terms of developmental activities by the state and so also by the region. Yet there are many untold miseries. But no matter what, we will fight for our legitimate rights at all cost; we are living as Tikhirs since time immemorial and will continue to live as Tikhirs and die as Tikhirs.
TSU wishes all Tikhirs a very happy Tsonglaknyi!
Contributed by:
Tikhir Students’ Union.
