The Yimkhiung community celebrated ‘Metümnyo’- to mark the first harvest of millet crop, which also holds cultural and spiritual importance, at Shamator town public ground on August 8.
DIMAPUR — The Yimkhiung community celebrated ‘Metümnyo’ at Shamator town public ground on August 8. The celebration was hosted by Beri Janger and T Hantsula on the theme “Heritage and culture bring unity.”
A DIPR report stated that Rev. Thsankiu, pastor of STBC, said the invocation prayer, while the significance of the festival was shared by SC Akhang, Head GB of Shamator. He explained that ‘Metümnyu’ is celebrated to mark the first harvest of millet crop, which also holds cultural and spiritual importance.
It stated that Throngso, YTC president, and Apong Janger, YYO president, spoke on the importance to foster unity and peaceful co-existence.
The deputy commissioner of Shamator, Chingyak Konyak, who also attended the event as the special guest, he echoed the sentiment that festivals are integral to Naga identity and underscored the Nagaland government’s efforts to promote indigenous festivals.
The celebration included cultural dances performed by the Mongtsumong cultural troupe and Lunkheberu cultural troupe.
In a related programme, Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Pungro-based NGOs celebrated ‘Metümnyo’ in Pungro town on Tuesday.
The programme was chaired by Lendila, vice president of Yimkhiung Liberü Arihako (YBA), while the welcome address was delivered by president of GBs’ Union Pungro Sub-division.
An update from Yimkhiung Youth Organisation (YYO) stated that the former president of YTC, Thsesong, shared the significance of ‘Metümnyo’ and the EAC of Pungro, Yitachu Thurr, also shared ‘Metümnyo’ greeting.
It mentioned that the festival spreads from August 4 to 8 every year with the main feast on August 8. It explained that the word ‘Me’ means ‘soul,’ ‘Tüm’ means ‘wrap’ and ‘Nyo’ means ‘feast,’ which literarily means ‘soul wrapping feast,’ a solemn festival that welcomes the newborns and honouring the ones who have gone.
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