Yimchunger tribe celebrates ‘Medunneo’ with traditional fervour

Dimapur, August 8: Yimchunger community of Tuensang town and the displaced families of 2014 inter- tribal feud came together to celebrate ‘Medunneo,’ the premier festival of Yimchunger tribe, organised by Yimchunger Union Tuensang Town in the premises of Yimchunger Baptist Church Tuensang Town (YBCTT) on August 6.
The programme was led by A Apong, pastor of Youth Ministry, while the invocation prayer was said by Rev. P. Akhum, Pastor of YBCTT and the welcome speech was delivered by W Kushang, President of YSUTT.
The significance of ‘Medünneo’ was shared by M Bombahkiu, Senior HA, DEO, Tuensang. He said ‘Medünneo’ festival is observed in memory of departed soul and to celebrate new born babies lasting for five days from August 4 to 8 every year. He said the festival is celebrated to share love and exchanging gifts among the friends and relatives. The festival is known as post harvest festival of the millets. The family began good relationship through sharing of the filial love for the days to come.
On the occasion, ‘Sangün Chimpü’- a traditional cotton spinning was demonstrated by Kiulola and group, while folk songs was presented by Kemifu cultural club and traditional bamboo flute was played by Smt. Tsukheamla.
Parliamentary Secretary of Municipal Affairs, Economics and Statistics and the chief guest, R Tohanba, said festival is the time for joy, reconciliation, to forgive and forget any misdeed in the past and to set new approach to move forward in every field.

Also speaking on the occasion as a guest of honour, Kejong Chang, Parliamentary Secretary of Horticulture, DBs & GBs Affairs, stressed on the need to developed friendship, maintain peace and unity for overall development of the State.
The programme was attended by officials of Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC), Chang Khulie Setsang (CKS) led by its president Nokshang Chang, ENPO vice president Kekongchim, Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, Alem Jongshi, Superintendent of Police RV Ezung, Director of Municipal Affairs A Zanbemo Ngullie, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Tuensang Er. B Mananglemden.
In a related programme, the Yirnchungru Su-Rah-Le Cultural Club, Chumukedima, celebrated the Medumneo festival in Chumukedima on August 8 in the residence of treasurer.
Thrilnso, Advisor YAA and chief guest, while describing the importance and significances of Medumneo festival, encouraged the youngsters to preserve the rich culture and live a good life.
Shojiba, president Yimchungru Arih-ako Chumukedima (YAC), has thanked the Yimchungru Su Rah Le Cultural Club for organising the festival and imparting the cultural practices to the younger generation.
The programme was chaired by Zhewongba, while Medumneo blessings was invoked by Akhum, Pastor YBBC. Special song was presented by Yimchungru Students’ Union Chumukedima (YSUC) and significance of Medumneo was delivered by Rethrong, ABSI. The vote of thanks was proposed by Kiutomong, finance secretary of Yimchungru Su-Rah-Le Cultural Club, Chumukedima.