The denizens of Khonoma village celebrated Thekranyi Festival 2023 under the theme ‘Excelling in the 21st century’ at the Community Hall, Terhotsiese Khonoma on 20th May 2023.
Greeting the people of Khonoma, Minister, of Horticulture & Women Resources and host of the festival, Salhoutuonuo Kruse highlighted the significance of the festival and stated that Thekranyi is a festival of the youth, the young and the age group enjoy and feast, using their earnings from agricultural labor. She also said that this festival marks the beginning for the farmers to start their agriculture and farming. She also elaborated that this festival is a time when youths go to their foster parents' homes to feast.
In his short speech, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Keoshu Yimchunger acknowledged and shared his experience visiting the green village, he said that he has observed and learned so much in his visit, Khonoma is not only a clean village but a highly potential village and he was happy to see so many old age groups joining and sharing their love with the young ones and mentioned, adding that this kind of blessing comes only with love, cooperation, and inheriting the good message and practice of old-age traditions.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland & Chairman IDAN and Special Guest, Abu Metha speaking on the occasion acknowledged God’s blessings for the auspicious day in celebrating Thekranyi. He also acknowledged the people of Khonoma for their contribution to the journey of making ‘Nagaland’. He said that Khonoma village has given its best sons and daughters to the Naga people in all walks of life, be it in the aspiration of nagas to achieve permanent and lasting peace in an honorable manner, be it in the journey of Naga people or post statehood or in public and social life or in the movement of naga’s aspiration for development in all sectors. He acknowledged that he was grateful to the legendary personalities and leaders of this village who have given their ultimate sacrifices for the sake of Nagas.
Metha stated that the aim of the government is development and progress in an inclusive manner therefore every citizen of Nagaland being a member of team Nagaland should cooperate and progress for development. He also mentioned, with reference to the theme of the festival, that the youths should get acquainted with quality education and technology as the world is moving at a very fast pace with technological advancement every day, therefore in order to excel in the 21st century youths should empower and equip themselves with quality education to combat the hurdles and overcome the challenges of the new era toward excellence.
He also advocated the tools and use of social media platforms stating that social media should be in a positive manner.
He mentioned that Knonoma village is a legendary village and already a known tourist destination village and suggested exploring more horticulture.
Metha stated that Nagaland is known as the land of festivals because it promotes our culture and highlights our heritage and hence we are able to preserve our traditions for the coming generations.
He also assured that the ‘Thekranyi’ festival will become an official part of the Nagaland calendar and even suggested setting up a Khonoma Green fund to improve the economy so that various aspects of the environment and biodiversity are being managed.
Earlier, he congratulated the village for bringing up the first woman in the history of Nagaland as a minister. Meanwhile, he also brought the ‘talks and greetings’ of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio to the people of Khonoma for the festival.
(Siizo Kikhi IA Kohima)
