Ao Naga celebrates ‘Tsungremmung’ with traditional fervour

MOKOKCHUNG — Longsa and Chuchuyimpang villages in Mokokchung district celebrated ‘Tsungremmung,’ a premier festival of the Ao Naga, with traditional fervour on Friday.

The celebration in Longsa village was held at Salang Lenden with the deputy speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Toiho Yeptho, as special guest.

Speaking at the programme, the chief guest reminded that festival is a time to evoke blessings of the creator and build bond of brotherhood among communities for peace and prosperity.

Describing Longsa village as a pioneering village in Nagaland, which has produced a host of prominent public leaders and bureaucrats, he expressed hope that the blessings would continue for generations to come.

Also pointing out that tribalism mindset has been the root cause of all the problems in the society, he urged all to fight against the disease that is affecting the society.

Also speaking on the occasion, the minister of Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, called upon the people not to cease giving thanks for the blessings saying that thanksgiving nations live in peace and prosperity.

He further urged not to forget the love and blessings that one gets from each other.

Short speeches were delivered by MLA Benei M Lamthiu; Lipokmeren Jamir, president of Ongpangkong Mungdang, and former MLA, R Lepden Longkumer.

The celebration witnessed traditional pulling of vine (Arr Atsutsu), which was participated by the chief guest along with his colleagues.

Highlights of the day’s event included cultural display namely Aluyimer Ken (farmer’s song) by Longsa Watsu Telen; Antipong Rara (cock fight) by Lion Club; traditional sport by Eagle Club; cultural dance by Sapotimi village; Amen ken (folk song) by Longdi yimsen and tug-of-war between Shijen Zunga-Watemdong, Salu, Sensu and Aosungkum.

Chuchuyimpang village also celebrated ‘Tsungremmung’ with S Supongmeren Jamir, Lok Sabha, as the chief guest and Brigadier Vikram Singh, DIG of 7 Sector, Assam Rifles, and EAC Moasenen Imsong as the guests of honour.

Speaking at the celebration, Jamir emphasised the need for personal and communal sanctification to receive God’s blessings. While underscoring the importance of unity, Jamir stated that there is victory and blessings, where there is unity.

Jamir also pointed out that sanctifying oneself, family and surroundings has been a traditional practice among the Ao people to ensure a bountiful harvest. He also urged the community to set positive examples for the younger generations by working together harmoniously.

He further encouraged the community to unite during the festival and beyond involving various groups such as Senso, councils and churches to guide and lead the younger generations on the path of unity and success.

Moasanen Imsong also emphasised the importance of celebrating the festival with purity as practiced by their forefathers. He urged the community to prioritise eliminating hatred as it only brings destruction.

He further highlighted the need to embrace love and forgiveness in order to take the society forward.

The celebration was marked by cultural performances by various cultural clubs, peer groups and womenfolk.