A cultural troupe performing during the Tokhu Emong cum Mini Hornbill Festival at Wokha local ground held on November 5. (DIPR Photo)
Wokha, November 5 (MExN): The three-day celebration of Tokhu Emong cum Mini Hornbill festival began at Wokha local ground on November 5, with MLA, Dr Chumben gracing the inaugural function.
According to a DIPR report, the MLA in his opening address stated that “enjoyment is a part of human wellbeing.”
He added that “if we celebrate Tokhu Emong in earnest flesh and spirit re-living our culture and traditions and imbibing the richness of our culture and traditions, in songs and dances of our ancestors in friendship, forgiveness and thanksgiving, then we will see the essence of the festival and find yourself rejuvenating.”
He also said that Wokha district is blessed with many resources and has been considered the ‘Land of Plenty.’ He urged the people to make proper use of the resources available “because we have the potential to produce maximum produces which will automatically raise the economic standard of our district in particular and the state in general.”
While calling for the preservation of “our distinct culture and tradition” he stated “we should encourage fusion songs and dances.” “Nagas are at the most crucial juncture and Lotha Hoho must spearhead a Lotha movement because the desire for settlement must become a mass movement,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, IAS while delivering the welcome address during the festival, said, the Government of Nagaland’s decision to celebrate the Tokhu Emong cum Mini Hornbill was a move towards promoting the culture of the state as well as tourism industry in the state.
“The Hornbill of Nagaland is not only famous in India but throughout the World and through this the government wants to take the nomenclature of that and promote it not only for particular place only but for the whole sate as well,” he added.
The celebration of any festival, the DC said, provides an opportunity to refresh people’s minds and serves as an encouragement for people to rededicate themselves towards the greater good of society. “The message of Tokhu Emong seems more relevant than ever, where it teaches us to give thanks to almighty for the success which he has granted to us for our hard work we have put in,” he added. “Through this festival forgive and forget should also be an essential message and it should be a time to leave our negative qualities towards each other,” the DC said.
Later, indigenous games competitions like Spear throw, Tug of War, Yodeling, Top spinning, Basket Weaving and Catapult were also held. The games were declared open by the special guest, Dr. Chumben Murry.
The evening meanwhile saw the Tokhu Beat contest, with PHED, Chief Engineer Ghushito Sema as the special guest.
