Festival Guest, Tito K Yeptho, President of Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (R) and his wife, President, Western Sumi Youth Front, Atokiho Sema (M), NSF President, Medovi Rhi (L), Chairman, Zhavame Village Council, Zao Krocha (2nd from L) seen during Laoni Festival at Zhavame.
Morung Express News
Zhavame | July 21
Keeping alive the age-old tradition of observing Laoni, a post paddy transplantation festival of pausing to give thanks and also pray for a bountiful harvest, Zhavame village today celebrated the festival in great fervour. Organised by the Zhavame Village Tourism Board with the support of the Village Council, Village Development Board (VDB), Women Society, Youth Society, Students’ Union, and the entire community, the festival aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the village.
Addressing the gathering as the Festival Guest, Tito K Yeptho, President of Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) recalled the age-old bond between the Sumi and Chakhesang tribes while stating that their ancestors lived as brothers. Asserting that they must continue this spirit of brotherhood not only during celebrations, but also in times of hardship and distress, he said that, “we will stand by each other everyday in unity and solidarity.”
Stating appreciation for the people of Zhavame for preserving and showcasing their rich cultural heritage, he urged them to continue upholding their traditions and values.
As a gesture of continued kinship and mutual respect, he further extended invitation to the natives of Zhavame to participate in Sumi festivals and gatherings in the future. In addition to cultural unity, he also underscored the importance of hard work in building a better life and called upon the youth to explore different avenues of livelihood including the auto-driving profession while assuring them of his support for anyone from Zhavame willing to join the profession.
He also exuded hope that the ties between Sumi and Chakhesang tribes would continue to grow with its root in unity, culture, and cooperation.
Recalling the warm hospitality of Zhavame village accorded during the NSF General Assembly held in 2019 under the former chairmanship of Vivotso Domeh, President, Western Sumi Youth Front, Atokiho Sema, remarked that Zhavame is one of the finest hosts in recent memory and lauded the village for upholding such high standards of organization, unity, and warmth.
He also reflected on the shared history and ancestral ties between the Sumi Hoho and the Chakhesang community while reminding the gathering that their forefathers once lived as brothers. He hoped that this sense of brotherhood would be nurtured across generations for it to survive and flourish in the years to come.
In a gesture of solidarity and goodwill, he also assured the people of Zhavame by stating that if they ever require any assistance or collaboration in the areas of Niuland and Chümoukedima, the Western Sumi Youth Front would be there to help. Urging them to stay united, he stated hope that they would continue to stand together as one community and work towards the betterment of the village.
Highlights of the event included invocation by Medovi Shupao, Youth Director of Zhavame Baptist Church, presentation on the significance of Laoni Festival by Rapri Pohena, special number by Mengu Suokhrie, Folk Tune Performance by the Women Society, and the symbolic Rikhure Presentation by the Duume Clan while Athe Rhi, Executive Board Member of the Zhavame Tourism Board chaired the programme.
The Festival also featured a variety of traditional and recreational competitions including tug-of-war, bamboo climbing, and volleyball.
