MLAs Bangtick Phom, Y. Makhao Konyak and Manpon Konyak with YUK officials and others during the celebration of Bangmo 2024 on October 2. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2
The Yongshei Union Kohima (YUK) today celebrated 1st Bangmo 2024 with much zest and traditional gaiety at Nphiecha, BSF Camp road, D. Khel, Kohima.
Pangmo is an autumn festival observed by the Phom tribe according to lunar calendar after the harvest is done in the paddy fields.
Pangmo is originally celebrated for 7 days. The date for Pangmo is usually fixed starting from the 3rd day of new Moon.
Paagmo also marks the end of summer and onset of winter season.
In the olden days, Pangmo marked the lifting of restriction to venture out in the jungle for hunting and fishing. There was a belief that before Pangmo if anyone went out to jungle for hunting and fishing, they would get themselves lost or catch by evil spirit.
Pangmo also signified a time of celebration for poor after paying back all the bags of grain borrowed from the rich. It is also a time of thanksgiving to God for His protection while they were working in the fields in the sun and rain.
Addressing the celebration, MLA Bangtick Phom shared Bangmo greetings.
He stressed on the need to stay united and maintain good social well-being.
MLA Y. Mankhao Konyak also spoke at the celebration and stressed on the need to preserve and carry forward the good culture and traditions and to pass the same to the younger generation.
MLA Manpon Konyak called upon the people to focus on holistic development and exercise positive attitude.
He also urged the people to put a collective effort for common good and vibrant society.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by YUK president C. Luhshong.
Yongshei Students’ Union Kohima led singing of Vangleng Yongshei anthem.
Maiihe Vangviingla Kohima presented folk song while significance of Bangmo was given by V. Longpang, Fellowship incharge YUK.
The programme was chaired by Mankham Biichem while Hamlen L. Biichem invoked God's blessings.
Vote of thanks was proposed by YUK general secretary Er. Chingshen C. Phom.
The celebration concluded with mass prayer and benediction by Rev. Phomlee Van, pastor Kohima Phom Baptist Church.
The celebration was followed by Bangmo feast.
Pangmo celebrates for 7 days
Pangmo is celebrated for seven days. The first day is called Shongten laiphen. On this day, plantain leaves and bamboos for steaming food items are collected.
Second day is called as Aiha okshok. On this day, each peer group get together to celebrate the feast by killing their jointly bought animals.
Third day is known Ching okshok. Every family that has animal to be slaughtered for the festival does it on this day.
The fourth day is called as Yenthii, where relatives and friends from far and near come together on this day.
Fifth day is called Chingthem. On this day, the whole community members celebrate the feast by singing, dancing, drinking rice beer, beating log drum and so on.
Sixth day Yenyan, as the name suggest is a closing day and dispersal day. Relatives and friends who came to celebrate the Pangmo return to their respective homes.
Seventh day is called Pangmo moinyaii. On this day people invoke God's blessings for healthy and prosperous life.
