Vitolu Kiho
Kilomi village, Zunheboto
Tuluni is one of the most significant festivals of the Sumi Naga tribe. Traditionally, it was celebrated over an entire week, but in modern times it is often observed as a day event on July 8. This summer, I had the chance to celebrate Tuluni in Kilomi village, perhaps the closest I’ve ever come to truly experiencing the social, cultural, and agricultural life of our people.
As Tuluni approached, a special buzz began to fill the village. With the sun setting and the day’s chores complete, the youth and a few elders would gather in the evenings. During these gatherings, Lejole (folk songs) were taught to the younger generations. One evening, an elder shared a heartfelt memory of his late friend a folk song enthusiast believed to know over a hundred Lejole, who had recently passed away, taking many of those songs with him. His words carried the weight of loss and the urgency of preservation.
The elders continued to speak of how Tuluni was celebrated during their time. Being from an agrarian society, even the names of the days were tied to farming life, and each day carried a unique purpose. Tuluni usually comes during the summer, when crops are blooming in the fields. Traditionally, it was held just before the harvest—a time of thanksgiving and joyful anticipation. But more than a harvest festival, Tuluni was a celebration that blended spirituality, social customs, courtship, communal service, and games.
The seven-day celebration was traditionally observed:
Monday (Asuzani): Millet was brought home for brewing wine.
Tuesday (Aghizani): Rice beer was prepared, village waterways were cleaned, and firewood was stored at the Alojitou’s house (the head of the farmers group).
Wednesday (Ashighini): Cattle were slaughtered and cleaned; the pig’s head was often given to the Alojitou.
Thursday (Anigheni): The day of the grand feast—folk songs, dances, and traditional games like top-spinning and Apukhu Kikithi (thigh-kicking) etc. were enjoyed by all.
Friday (Mucholani): The men cleaned the farm paths, shared meals, and ensured the poor, elderly were not left out.
Saturday (Tupulani): The women brought crops home from the fields.
Sunday (Tüghakhani): A day of rest and reverence, dedicated to the spirit, no one left their homes during this day.
On the main day of Tuluni in Kilomi, the youth gathered early and split into groups to visit the elderly, widows, widowers, and the sick. They helped with chores, chopped firewood, and cleared village roads. In return, the elders blessed them with heartfelt gratitude. Later,
everyone came together for a generous dinner, followed by singing and sports. The evening carried a deep sense of community, warmth, and cultural pride.
Although Tuluni has changed with time, its values remain deeply relevant. The cleanliness drives and community service during the festival are reminders that our people practiced the essence of Swachh Bharat long before it was named. Tuluni is a celebration for all regardless of age or status and it upholds the values of generosity, hospitality, and unity. It brings people together through song, games, shared meals, and love. Courtships and marriages often take place during this season, adding to its significance.
Tuluni is not just a celebration—it is a living tradition that ties us to our past while guiding our future. In remembering and practicing what it stands for, we carry forward the spirit of unity, kindness, and belonging for generations to come.
