Loyir village celebrates Metemneo with traditional gaiety

The Yimkhiung community in Loyir village, New Showuba, Niuland district, joyfully celebrated the Metemneo (Medümnyio) festival with traditional enthusiasm.

DIMAPUR — The Yimkhiung community in Loyir village, New Showuba, under Niuland district celebrated Metemneo (Medümnyio) festival with traditional fervor and gaiety, on Monday.

Advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs department, Zhaleo Rio, the special guest of the celebration, in his address, said that Metemneo, a major festival of the Yimkhiung Nagas, is related to purification of the soul and body as well as agricultural activities.

The advisor said Metemneo is also akin to Sekrenyi festival of the Angami Nagas where, besides other activities, purification of oneself is of utmost importance.

Zhaleo urged the people to purify their hearts and be living examples in society today.

“These festivals are an integral part of our identity and so we must practice, learn, share and also teach the younger generation of the in-depth values,” he said while urging people to promote the rich culture and traditions among Nagas.

“We must relinquish and forget the deep-rooted ‘ism’ in order to bring unity, change and development,” he added.

Zhaleo was accompanied by Advisor, Land Resources department, G Ikuto Zhimomi; Deputy Commissioner of Niuland, Sara S Jamir; central NDPP party officials and party and public leaders from his constituency 5 Ghaspani-II A/C.

Later, the advisor also declared a volleyball match between veterans of Loyir village. The festival was organised by the church building construction committee of Loyir Baptist Church.

The festival programme was chaired by H Ramtsüla and Dr. James, pastor of YBC Diphupar, who invoked God’s blessings. ‘Medümnyio’(Me – soul, düm – to bind, purify, nyio – to celebrate, enjoy), is usually celebrated during the first week of August.

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