Lotha community celebrates Tokhu Emong with tradition fervour

DIMAPUR — Lotha community across Nagaland celebrated Tokhu Emong, a post harvest festival, on Thursday with traditional fervour. The celebration saw presentation of cultural items and indigenous games.

Wokha: The Tokhu Emong celebration at Wokha public ground concluded on Thursday with the Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, as the special guest.

Speaking at the event, Jamir greeted the Lotha community and highlighted the unique significance of Tokhu Emong. He praised the visionary Lotha ancestors for establishing a festival dedicated to forgiveness and renewing relationships.

Noting that the present generation has lost true essence of the celebration, he urged the congregation to revisit the traditional practices and culture of their ancestors.

Jamir lauded the skills and thoughtful actions of the Lotha community and urged them to remain united and foster positive competition to serve the Naga community and the Lothas in particular. He warned that division and misunderstanding within the Lotha community would affect not only them but the entire Naga society and the state.

He called upon the congregation to use the celebration of Tokhu Emong to bring about real unity and receive blessings.

Earlier, the MP also unveiled an ambulance for the Lotha community and handed over to the Lotha Hoho.

Highlights of the celebration included cultural dances by Assam and Manipur communities, folksong by Ao Union Wokha Town, demonstration of Naga style wrestling and tug-of-war final match played between Zuvotong colony and Midland Colony, where the later emerged as the winner.

The culmination event of Tokhu Emong and musical night was attended by Echungbemo Erui, SDO , as the valedictory guest.

Also read: Indigenous games mark day-2 Tokhü Emong celebration in Wokha

Dimapur: Lotha community in Dimapur celebrated Tokhu Emong, organised by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH), at Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex Stadium, Dimapur.

The celebration as attended by Mhathung Yanthan, advisor of Agriculture, as the special guest and the commissioner and secretary, K Libanthung Lotha, as the speaker.

Addressing the crowed, Yanthan emphasised on the importance of preserving and promoting traditional culture and language. He stated that people settled in Dimapur should contribute towards the growth and development of the district. He also acknowledged the contributions of everyone who has helped Dimapur developed over the years.

With the rapidly growing population and expansion of Dimapur, he stated that it is essential for all communities to embrace each other’s diversity. He stressed the need for unity and mutual respect among different communities and encouraged everyone to adopt a collective agenda for growth and prosperity.

He called upon the gathering to embody the role of cultural ambassadors, representing the values of their community to others and fostering harmony. Above all, he emphasized that unity and coordination among all communities are essential for sustainable progress.

He further urged the members to learn from past shortcomings and work collectively towards a prosperous future.

K Libanthung Lotha, while delivering festival greetings, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action within the community. Dwelling on the theme, he encouraged each individual to contribute toward a shared vision of peace, unity and prosperity for the community.

By fostering collaboration and a spirit of togetherness, he said that “the community can work toward a brighter and more harmonious future for all its members.”

A folk song was performed by Dimapur Tsüngiki Ekhüng, while traditional rice pounding demonstration was presented by members of Kyong Colony and a song was presented by Eyilobeni Kikon.

Bhandari: Bhandari town celebrated 45th Tokhu Emong festival on Thursday at the local ground on the theme “Marching forward in unity” with T Yanpvunthung Kikon, additional secretary of School Education and SCERT, as the special guest.

Speaking at the celebration, Kikon urged the gathering to foster sense of forgiveness, love and strengthening relationships. He also stated that Lotha community is blessed with rich cultural heritage and urged everyone to practice and preserve them.

Rev. Wosamo Humtso shared the history and practices of Tokhu Emong festival by the ancestors, while Rev. Fr. Victor Renthungo Odyuo, Diocese Kohima, shared greetings.

The celebration witnessed traditional dance and folk song presented by Eleo Hoho Bhandari and Bhandari village.