The Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival was celebrated with vibrant cultural performances and meaningful reflections at Public Ground, Wokha on 7th November 2025. The event brought together community leaders, cultural troupes and citizens to honour the spirit of thanksgiving, reconciliation and ancestral legacy.
Chief Guest, MLA, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, in his keynote address, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the occasion and extended warm Tokhü Emong greetings to the Lotha community. He described the festival as a time to renew friendships, exchange gifts and celebrate with joy and dignity. Drawing parallels with the Chakhesang post-harvest festival, Dr. Mero emphasized the importance of preserving tribal rituals and oral traditions for future generations.
He commended the Lotha community for its rich agricultural resources, growing representation in state bureaucracy and economic contributions through horticulture and tourism. Highlighting the Doyang hydroelectric project and the region’s significance as a roosting site for migratory Amur Falcons, he also encouraged the community to explore untapped oil reserves for broader development.
Dr. Mero urged the youth to uphold dignity of labour and emulate the hardworking spirit of past generations. Citing Japan’s post-war recovery, he stressed that discipline and respect for all forms of work can transform societies. He also called for unity among Naga tribes, challenging young people to overcome tribalism and build a peaceful, inclusive future. “Each one of us can bring a ray of hope to build a better Naga society,” he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, delivered Tokhü greetings and spoke on the importance of preserving cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized reconciliation, forgiveness, and brotherhood as guiding principles for community progress.
The welcome address was delivered by Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Er. Mhondamo Ovung. The meaning and significance of Tokhü Emong was shared by Pvuti Tso-rüi, Council Chairman of Elumyo Village, C. Zumomo Tsanglao.
Cultural highlights included a folk dance performance by Nrung Longidang Cultural Troupe and a tug-of-war competition, where Midland Colony Wokha emerged as the winner.
The festival concluded with a renewed sense of pride in tradition and a collective call for unity, resilience and cultural preservation.
(IA Wokha)
