Khiamniungan community celebrates ‘Tsokum’ festival with traditional fervour

Dimapur, Oct. 6 (EMN): Khiamniungan community celebrated ‘Tsokum’ festival with traditional fervour held at the residence of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) treasurer at Noklak town on October 5 with the deputy commissioner of Noklak, Hiazu Meru, as the special guest.

Speaking at the celebration, Meru said that the Naga history is based on oral tradition adding through the festival, “We learn our culture, tradition, custom, dress and food habits which are the identity.” He also stated that through the festival, people unite and bring unity among the people, a DIPR report stated on Wednesday.

Meru stated that during ancient times, the economy was self-sufficient and every village lived as a village republic. He added that the source of livelihood of the ancestors was agriculture where farming plays an important role in their lives. He also stated that in order to have a bountiful harvest and blessings, they organised festivals to give thanks and seek blessings.

The DC challenged the gathering to practice good qualities of their ancestors and to pass it down to the next generation.

While appreciating KTC for organising festival celebration, Meru expressed hope that the community would be blessed through the celebration of ‘Tsokum’ festival.

The Head GB of Noklak town, Heme informed that ‘Tsokum’ is a festival of dedication to commence the harvest in the jhum field, which is a week-long celebration that lasts for eight days by performing different forms of rites and rituals. He stated that during ‘Tsokum’ festival, every family offers prayer and make sacrifices by killing domesticated animals to the god (kou-o) for fertility of crops, bountiful harvest, to bless their livestock and grant health to human beings as well as for unity, peace and harmony among the community.

Heme added that the ‘Tsokum’ festival marks the beginning of harvest. He said it was a taboo to reap and consume the newly harvested rice/grains prior to celebration of ‘Tsokum’ as it was believed that unfavourable events and famines would befall upon the family.

He added that during the festival, people enjoy by sharing food, meat, rice beer to relatives, friends and guests or even to the strangers who happen to come during the festive occasion. It is during ‘Tsokum’ that ‘Memeipou’ (rich men) host community feasts for both rich and poor alike.

Cultural folk song called ‘Hoi-e Tsui’ was presented by Khiamniungan Cultural Club of Noklak town.

KTC president, M Thangou, delivered a welcome address, while the programme was chaired by KTC executive chairman, Pakhiu. The programme was organised by KTC and attended by officials from the district administration, Commandant of 45 Assam Rifles, HOD of different departments, civil societies, church leaders and elders.

In a related programme, advisor of Printing, Prisons and Stationeries, H Haiying, hosted the ‘Tsokum’ festival celebration at his residence in Noklak on October 5.

President of BJP Noklak district, M Pushing, thanked the government for encouraging the celebration of local festivals of every tribe in Nagaland. He said ‘Tsokum’ festival is observed for good harvesting.

Stating that the forefathers were self-sufficient, he lamented that the people have become dependent on others. Citing examples from the Covid-19 pandemic, he urged on the need to be self-sufficient.

Significance of Tsokum festival was delivered by Bushem, BJP advisor of 56 Noklak AC, while short speech was delivered by NDPP president of 56 Noklak AC, Lamthai.