Traditional games competition mark ‘Sӧkrünyi’ celebration

Competitions in folk song by men and women, yodeling and traditional games such as tug-of-war, greased bamboo pole climbing, wrestling and others marked the ‘Sӧkrünyi,’ a premier festival of the Chakhesang community, at Naga United Village (NUV) local ground on Tuesday.

Sharing on the significance of the festival, Zühünyo Puro, village council member, stated that the festival was celebrated for 27 days in olden time. He narrated various events of the celebrations such as Cipongo, Thürü rüshü, Tükhulü Kho, Tükhulü Kiri, Metho ga, Kühümi Ciwhu, Kühümi Ciwhu, Tsüsümi Ciwhu, Thiza Rha, Cidü, Thipumi Sükrü, Thüno nuso, Nhapfü Küsü, Cidü Zhongou, Thünyi Mukra, Süre Mukra, Dzülü dzüme phi, Thivü müta, Ozho Müna, Mezü küzüve, Ciremi cishü, Rasü Zhongou, Rasü kütswu, and Thüta Kha.

Also speaking at the programme, the GB of NUV, Medoi Dozo, asked the gathering not to be shy about their tribe but work hard and do good things to uplift the names of the Chakhesangs. He also encouraged preserving cultural heritage and traditional attires of the community.

He also advised them to be wise in their living to progress at par with others as well as to be kind, support one another and be courteous. Mentioning that NUV is at prime location and within the reach to various places, he encouraged them to work out strategies for progress and development.

While encouraging them to imbibe the virtues of honesty, sincerity and hard work of their forefathers, Dozo further sought unity and oneness among the people.

Lürhü Krotho and WCH celebrate Sökrünye

Lürhü Krotho in association with the Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) also celebrated Sӧkrünye festival 2023 with music and fashion show on January 14 in Naga United Village, Chümoukedima, with Hekani Jakhalu, founder of Youthnet, as the special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Jakhalu stressed on the need to celebrate, promote and revive “our identity, culture, tradition and customs practiced by forefathers.”

“If the youth want to be successful, only hard work will work as there is no other substitute,” she said.

She shared her experiences working with young people for the past 17 years at YouthNet, where only hard working people have become successful. She, therefore, encouraged the youth to focus on excelling in whatever area they choose to follow and upgrade their skills as the competition is getting tougher.

Referring to Census 2011, Jakhalu stated that the youth in the age group of 15-35 years constituted 40.2% of the population in Nagaland or around 8 lakh.

“Over the next 15 years, this group will be at the centre and be the main drivers in every aspect – social, political and economy of the state,” she said and encouraged the Chakhesang leaders to invest in young people, mentor and nurture them.

Pusazo Luruo, advisor of Western Chakhesang Hoho, spoke on the significance of Sӧkrünye festival.

The objective of the event was to promote tradition and culture through fashion and music.

Various artistes and fashion designers joined the celebration while Chakhesang Women Welfare Society displayed the original traditional attire of the Chakhesang community with an aim to educate its people to wear it in appropriate form and not compromising or altering its original significances and its unique beauty.

Renowned artistes including Kekhrie Ringa, Jano Nyekha, Colored Keys and others also performed at the event.