2 Feb : Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as they are celebrated throughout the year by different tribes in different seasons with rich and colourful traditional and cultural practices. The Chief Minister said this while he was addressing a mammoth gathering at Phüsachodumi village local ground for celebration of Sukrunyi, the primary festival of the Chakhesang community. A grand cultural and traditional exhibition of songs and dances were presented by the villagers of Phüsachodumi with a look of festivity and celebration.
The Chief Minister lauded the village for the wonderful presentation of cultural and traditional songs and dances and said that we should preserve the unique identity of the Nagas and prayed that peaceful atmosphere continue as it is the primary desire of all the people of the state.
He stated that in the past when Christianity was not known our forefathers worshipped unknown gods and offered sacrifices to them, but today we have gathered here to mark the season of Sukrunyi festival of our forefathers- a time to showcase our rich culture and traditional life in songs and dances and other practices which should be made known to younger generations. He stressed on the importance of cultural identity and its preservation and asked the Nagas to document their respective traditional and cultural practices with traditional cuisines in book forms for the sake of future generations. He disclosed that the government would extend financial help for the same and he specially called for participation of women folk in this regard.
With the advent of Christmas and festive season in Nagaland there is a cessation and factional killing and therefore if we can understand each other good sense and prevail amongst us and festivities would continue all the way throughout the state he enthused. He further stressed upon the importance of peace and unity for peaceful co-existence and development in the state.
Rio said that NPF led DAN government had adopted the indigenous mithun as a mark of Naga identity which is also the logo of the state government. He lauded the public of Phüsachodumi for solidarity and unity and further extended his greeting to the Phüsachodumi village and Chakhesang community on the occasion of Sukrunyi in true Naga tradition.
Earlier he inaugurated the village gate on his arrival where a warm reception was accorded to him. Fully dressed in traditional gear, thousands of villagers and well wishers led him to the local ground where a grand reception awaited him and where the main function was also held.
Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Child and Women Development Chotisuh Sazo gave a brief account of Phüsachodumi village and a brief note on Sukrunyi festival saying that in earlier days Sukrunyi festival was celebrated to sanctify the young boys and girls and to seek blessing for a bountiful and prosperous year ahead.
Deputy Commandant 4th NAP Zekhosa Kotso spoke on the significance of Sukrunyi festival. Padmashree M. Vero ex-MP also spoke on the occasion and lauded the villagers for maintaining peace and unity.
Those who attended the occasion were Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Art & Culture, Law and Justice, Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Er. Saku Aier, Deputy Chairman State Planning Board, Neiba Kronu, Advisor IT & TE and Chairman DAN, Vikho-o Yhoshu, MLA, Deo Nukhu, Political Advisor to CM, Z. Lohe, ex-MLA Wezulhi Krome, ex-MLA N. Theyo, ex-MLA L. Mero, Secretary Social Welfare, Neihu Thur, DC Phek, SP Phek, President Naga Hoho, President CPO, President APO besides host of other political and public leaders and government officials.
The highlights of the day included cultural exhibitions of songs, traditional dances and singing of the village anthem by the men folk. It ended with grand Sukrunyi feast and cultural exhibition.