Lighting the Way: The illuminated Sumi Baptist Church in Zunheboto, Asia’s second-largest church, stands as a monumental symbol of faith, unity and enduring hope for the community. (Photo Courtesy: Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto, media team/Instagram)
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | January 3
As 2026 begins, residents of Zunheboto District, the heartland of the Sumi Naga community, are blending celebration with contemplation, setting a tone of unified purpose and gratitude for the year ahead.
People from all walks of life in the district including government officials, civil society leaders, educators and public shared their perspectives on the past year and expressed hope for the future. They have welcomed the New Year 2026 with optimism, reflection and a renewed sense of collective responsibility.
Amid festive gatherings enhanced by extended cultural festivities, the district known as the ‘Land of Warriors’ enters the new year focusing on collective progress and shared responsibility.
The end of one year and the beginning of another often prompt people to set new goals and resolutions, stated L Chinglem Konyak, EAC of Zunheboto.
While acknowledging that some objectives are met and others remain ongoing endeavours, he emphasised the importance of entering 2026 with the same energy, determination, and enthusiasm carried throughout the previous year.
The EAC underscored the belief that life derives its meaning from inherent unpredictability and uncertainties. He added that such challenges should be collectively embraced, not feared.
Gratitude was another key theme in New Year reflections. People tend to focus on disappointments, yet overlooking daily blessings like health, safety, and the chance to grow, limits humility and spiritual growth. The message highlighted thankfulness for 2025’s protections and urged carrying that gratitude into the New Year. The New Year was described as an opportunity to renew commitments not only to personal growth but also to the well-being of others. Messages conveyed from public organisations encouraged people to continue being a source of support and encouragement within the community, adding positivity to the lives of those around them.
Kakugha S Rotokha, President, Zunheboto Area Public Organisation (ZAPO) emphasised values of peace, compassion and service.
He expressed hope that the coming year would be guided by love, peace, and joy, and that people would continue to be instruments of goodwill in society. In his message, the emphasis remained on unity, moral responsibility and maintaining harmony within the district.
The ZAPO President stressed the importance of unity, moral responsibility, and maintaining harmony within the district.
In her New Year greetings, Kaholi S Rotokha, General Secretary, Sumi Totimi Hoho expressed hope that the year would inspire deeper reflection, gratitude, and solidarity among the people.
She conveyed aspirations for continued growth, stability, and cooperation in the year ahead, stressing that collaboration among communities and institutions remains vital for sustainable development.
Rotokha stated that the New Year was also seen as a time to strengthen social bonds and work collectively toward shared goals. She expressed optimism that 2026 would bring progress across various sectors while preserving the district’s cultural identity and traditional values.
Ruthly S Zhimo noted that the extension of the Hornbill Festival added vibrancy to the season, attracting visitors and creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural pride. The extension of the Hornbill Festival added vibrancy to the season, attracting visitors and creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural pride, Zhimo who is a teacher said.
Reflecting on the personal stories that shape households across the district, local resident Linovi Kiba observed that every family carries experiences of struggle, success, loss, and celebration, all of which contribute to the collective narrative of the community.
A striking sight was the illuminated Sumi Baptist Church in Zunheboto, recognised as the second-largest church in Asia. Standing prominently, the church added both spiritual and visual grandeur, symbolising faith and unity within the community. The educator and other residents said its presence reinforced the district’s strong spiritual foundation and cultural identity.
Greetings were extended by residents, with wishes for prosperity, peace and divine guidance for all as the world stepped into the New Year. The role of faith in sustaining hope and resilience during uncertain times was repeatedly acknowledged, they said.
