Women folk performing a cultural song. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | November 5
The second day of the Tokhu Emong cum Mini Hornbill Festival 2024 in Wokha was marked by an exciting display of indigenous games on November 5 at the Public Ground. Traditional games such as tug of war, spear throwing, grease bamboo climbing, and Naga wrestling were among the activities that highlighted the day, with Renbomo Ezung, (NCS) Additional Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, attending as the special guest.
In his address, Ezung emphasized the importance of unity and the preservation of indigenous cultural practices. He expressed concern over the growing neglect of traditional games, urging the community to protect and revive these practices. "We are forgetting the significance of our indigenous games, and they are losing relevance. We must make efforts to revive and protect our traditions," he said.
Reflecting on his own childhood, Ezung shared how traditional games were once taught by elders, playing a key role in fostering a sense of cultural identity. "Our identity is defined by our culture and tradition. If we lose these, we lose ourselves," he stated. He also underscored the health benefits of participating in such games, encouraging the youth to engage in them as a way to preserve their culture while staying active.
Ezung urged the Lotha Hoho to continue organizing indigenous games and sports competitions, believing that these events could not only revive cultural traditions but also bring tangible benefits to the youth and the wider community. He concluded his speech by calling for unity, stating, "When we have love, nothing is impossible."
The event was chaired by Yihamo Patton, Cultural Secretary of the Lotha Hoho, and featured an invocation by Rev. Lijamo Kikon, Pastor of the A.G. Church in Wokha. A special performance by the Wokha Village Female Cultural Troupe added a festive touch to the celebration.
In the evening, SP Wokha Aotula Imchen inaugurated the Tokhu Emong Musical Night where singers from diverse genres participated.
Bands like Mad Angles, Infinity, Vungi Von, The duet, Solo Artist like Lochumlo Kikon, Ashamo Kikon, Nyanbeni Tungoe, Benji Yanthan, Rhontsuthung Kithan, Merithung Patton, Sochumlo Ngullie, Machen Yanthan, Emily, Wonjano S Ngullie, Limhachan Ngullie, Chonben Jami, Nchumbemo Yanthan, Lirhoni Z Lotha, Sojano Tsopoe, Martha Humtsoe, Chumchano Ngullie participated at the event.
In her address, SP Wokha spoke about the significance of the occasion, which marks a time of thanksgiving, reflection on blessings, and the renewal of unity. She highlighted the festival as a celebration of the Lotha community's contributions to the nation's development, particularly in leadership, administration, education, sports, and beyond.
She praised Wokha District for its abundant natural resources and cultural heritage, which make it a "land of plenty." Reflecting on her two years of service in the region, she expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Lotha people and urged continued collective efforts towards economic growth, job creation, and youth retention in the district.
She also emphasised the importance of improving education and healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and called for increased environmental conservation, citing the success of local efforts to protect wildlife, such as the Amur Falcons and stressed the need to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly changing world and warned against the dangers of substance abuse and illicit activities, urging the community to work together for a stronger, healthier future.
