Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 7
The Lotha Naga community of Kohima celebrated Tokhu Emong, post harvest festival with fun and fervor at New Reserve Police ground Kohima, which was organized by Lotha Hoho, Kohima.
Giving a brief highlight on the significance of the festival, CM Tsanglao said Tokhu Emong is a time of thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the bountiful harvest. It is also a time to rekindle relationships and strengthen the bond of brotherhood and families and friends, and also seek forgiveness to one another for the wrong doings.
Also while stating that Lotha community were in the forefront in every spheres of life, Tsanglao also stated with pride of the rich natural resources own by the Lotha community which makes the community one of the most blessed community among the Naga tribes.
He also appealed the community people to stand in unity, respect one another and not to forget the Almighty God.
The festival also witnessed folk song presented by the Agri/Forest colony, cultural exhibition and entertaining program in the evening. Tokhu greetings were brought by CR Lotha, while YM Lotha presented a modern song.
The morning saw Tokhvu football trophy final match wherein Tungkho Yinga FC (DBS) merged as champion of the Kohima Lotha Tokhu while High School Rhüchung and KC Lotha Club Lower Agri were declared runners up and third place respectively.
The winner walked away with a cash prize of Rs 20,000/- sponsored by class-1 contractor, Lanthamo Tsopoe while the trophy was sponsored by Parliamentary Secretary, Mhonlumo Kikon and the third prize sponsored by Mhathung Kithan.
The best team was awarded to Benthungo Yanthan, Renbemo Murry New Reserve Colony and the prize money sponsored by NSF president, Subenthung.
Meanwhile the football organizing committee has thanked all the people for their support and contributions towards the success of the tournament.
Diphupar
Joining then rest of the Lotha community across the state, Lotha residents of Diphupar also celebrated Tokhu Emong the premier festival of the Lothas on November 7 at the Agri Expo site with former minister T.A.Ngullie as the chief guest and former State chaplain Rev. Yankey Patton as the guest of honor.
In his short address, TA Ngullie observed Tokhu Emong as a day to reminisce the culture and lives of forefathers and reminded the gathering to inculcate the values of forgiveness, unity and hard work practiced by our forefathers.
“It is a day to revive and forgive,” he added. Asking the gathering to ponder on “where are the Lothas heading, he urged upon the gathering to have vision in life and asked them to promote the Lotha community through unity and forgiveness.
During the occasion, Rev.Yankey Patton invoked blessings upon the gathering. The significance of Tokhu Emong was narrated by chairman of organizing committee Khumkothung Ngullie.
Lotha students of Patkai Christian College Dimapur enthralled the gathering with folk rendition. Besides, a number of folk and modern Tokhu songs were presented by a number of groups marking the day. Diphupar Lotha Hoho Chairman, Womongo Patton brought Tokhu greetings while Pastor Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar A, Limhathung pronounced the invocation. Ex. Principal ETC Jorhat offered the benediction while Y.N.Patton proposed the vote of thanks which was followed by grand Tokhu Feast.
Mokokchung
The Lotha community of Mokokchung town celebrated its 48th Tokhu Emong festival with much fanfare and traditional favor here at Multi-Purpose Cultural Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung on 7th November 2015.
Both young and old in colourful traditional attires and fineries gathered to share Tokhu Emong greeting. Gracing the festive gathering special guest, Renbomo Ezung, SDO (C) Mangkolemba shared Tokhu Emong greetings. Earlier, DR. Motsuthong E. Patton, M.S IMDH exhorted the gathering and also shared the significance of Tokhu Emong.
Special songs, display of modern ethnic attires Tug-of-war and Tokhu Raffle draw were some of the highlights of the day celebration. Addl. S.P Mokokchung T. Yanrenthung Ngullie presided over the programme.
