Our Correspondent
Kisama | April 23
The Zuketsa Area Public Organization (ZAPO), Kohima unit today celebrated its premier festival Tsükhenye 2016- cum- 8th annual general session here under the motto “Unity with integrity.”
Gracing the occasion as the speaker, Theja Therie, president Chakhesang Hoho Kohima said that Tsükhenye is a celebration of youthful life. Young people eat and drink and grow with the new buds and leaves. “We celebrate inner and outer beauty and exhibit our might and sporting skills both physical and mental capabilities,” he said adding that boys and girls complement and inspire one another for positive development.
Therie said that Naga society today is seriously infected by factionalism and tribalism to the highest degree. He said that what is factionalism to our national struggle is tribalism to our Naga society today. “Infighting for greed and power have polarized our society,” he said and stressed on the need to overcome this two (factionalism and tribalism) greatest drawbacks in our society. “Let us grow beyond tribal and factional barriers,” Therie challenged the gathering. He also called upon the gathering to inculcate its traditional values while improvising the old practices that need “our concerted effort to refine ad develop in the context of the time.”
Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, former president ZAPO Kohima unit highlighted the significance of Tsükhenye. He said that Tsükhenye is considered one of the most important festivals of the Kuzha Netho Ketshii and also of the Kuzhami Chakhesang community.
It is celebrated during the month of April every year.
Stating that April is a month which signifies growth and renewed strength for nature, thus, Tsükhenye celebration signifies the tender and transient period of the youth. “This festival is also a reminder to the villagers that the time of merry making has come to an end, with the ending of the spring time. As such, the village folks consider it as the last festival before the onset of the agricultural activities in its full swing,” said Wetsah.
The term Tsükhenye is derived from “Tsiikhe” meaning “End” and “Nye” meaning “Festival,” “Feast” or “Merry Making.” Tsükhenye festival lasts for five days. He said that Tsükhenye’s religious and traditional ceremonies and rituals are no longer in practice in Kuzha Netho Kethsii. However, Tsükhenye is still celebrated with great significant and enthusiasm by the Kuzha Netho Kethsii ad also by the Kuzhami Chakhesang Naga in keeping with Christian spirit.
The celebration featured Tsükhenye Lü competition and participated by Leshemi Kohima Unit, Lasumi Kohima unit and Zapami Kohima unit. Children of Lt. W.C Krome, ex- MLA & Lt. Medikhrü Losou, prominent businessman sponsored prizes in memory of their beloved fathers.
Earlier, ZAPO Kohima unit president Neisa Wetsah led the service while welcome address was delivered by ZAPO Kohima Unit treasurer Alole Lomi. ZAPO Kohima unit general secretary Visazo Tero read out secretary report while vote of thanks was proposed by ZAPO Kohima unit finance secretary Alo Sara.
Nomination committee convenor Sabou Krome announced the committee report of the new office bearers. Kewethsii Kenye and Senokha Losou pronounced invocation and benediction respectively.
The festival concluded with Tsiikhenye feast.
