LONGKHUM — Longkhum village in Mokokchung district on Friday witnessed a cultural event as the Mejensanger Putu ceremonially handed over leadership responsibilities to the Mopungsanger Putu, marking the beginning of a new 30-year leadership cycle.
The newly inducted Putu members, representing the Mongsener clan, hail from three main Riju (Morung) namely Imchen Reju (67 members), Sangpang Reju (87 members) and Alang Reju (58 members) totaling 212 members.
The Putu Menden, meaning the ‘seat of a generation,’ functions as a federal assembly of elders and a central pillar of Ao Naga cultural governance. Members are selected basing on their lineage and Reju according to Mongsen custom and tradition.
Today’s transition, a deeply symbolic process, adhered to the Ao Naga traditions that emphasise sanctity and purity. Anempong (ritual sanctity) is maintained by participants including a week-long period of abstinence, self-preparation of food and mindfulness in speech. The process known as Kimo underscored the sacredness of leadership succession.
A key element of the ceremony is the donation of pigs by each member of the Putu, resulting in a total of 212 pigs donated. Ritual of slaughtering one pig per Riju took place at the Ariju (village morung), a symbolic act reflecting the distribution of responsibilities and unity within the new leadership structure.
C Angang Jamir, chairman of Longkhum village council, noted that storytelling, a treasured part of Ao Naga culture, is intentionally avoided on days involving blood sacrifices, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion.
The transition ceremony was a testament to Longkhum’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while ensuring the continuity of traditional governance. The generational handover not only strengthened community bonds but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Ao Naga traditions.
As the Mopungsanger Putu stepped into their new roles, the village looked forward to the continued stewardship of its customs, values and collective identity over the next three decades.