The Lotha community in Dimapur  celeberated the traditional Tokhu Emong festival on November 7, 2026 at Multi Displinary Complex Stadium, Dimapur.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister, Home and Border Affairs, Y. Patton called upon the Lotha community to strengthen unity, preserve its cultural identity and work collectively towards a better future while celebrating Tokhu Emong, the traditional post-harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas.

Addressing the gathering, Patton extended Tokhu greetings and said the festival was not merely an occasion for feasting and celebration but also a time to thank God for good health, protection and the blessing of witnessing another year. He described Tokhu as an occasion for reconciliation, forgiveness and reflection, urging the community to resolve misunderstandings and work together towards a better future.

He suggested that the Lotha community consider organising a collective festival celebration once every three or four years instead of holding separate celebrations annually, stating that such an initiative would strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for people to know one another better. He also urged the community to reciprocate the cooperation and participation extended by other communities during their respective programmes and celebrations.

On the Naga political issue, Patton stressed the need for unity among the different Naga groups, stating that the Government of India would not provide separate solutions to the numerous factions. He called upon all groups to come together and coordinate their efforts, emphasising that a collective approach was essential to move forward.

Expressing concern over the growing problem of donations and extortion in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, he observed that demands for donations were among the major sources of extortion. He said there was a need for all groups to come together and address the issue in the interest of the public.

On education, Patton encouraged students to aim higher and pursue their ambitions through hard work rather than studying merely to obtain academic qualifications. He also cautioned the younger generation against the misuse of mobile phones and called for responsible use of technology.

Emphasising the importance of preserving Lotha language and cultural identity, Patton expressed concern that many members of the community, particularly the younger generation in Dimapur, were unable to speak their mother tongue. He urged parents to take responsibility for teaching their indigenous language to their children at home and encouraged the younger generation to uphold traditional attire, customs and cultural practices.

He further stated that the Chief Minister had taken serious note of the need to preserve and promote indigenous culture, adding that cultural preservation should not be limited to the Hornbill Festival but should also be encouraged through initiatives such as the Mini Hornbill Festival.

Speaking on the occasion as guest of honour, MLA & Advisor, Labour & Employment, skill development & Entrepreneurship, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, highlighted the hard work, enterprise and determination of the Lotha community, stating that its achievements were the result of years of sacrifice, perseverance and commitment.

He said the Lotha community had earned its place through its enterprising spirit, particularly in venturing out, building livelihoods, establishing businesses and creating opportunities for the next generation. He noted that the community's achievements were reflected in its businesses, willingness to explore new opportunities and the courage of its youth, many of whom had moved beyond their homeland to seek employment and build careers.

Longkumer stated that the harvest celebrated during Tokhu Emong was not limited to what the land produced but also represented what a community achieved through years of hard work and determination. He said the prosperity of the Lotha people was earned through their own efforts and deserved to be celebrated with pride.

He further acknowledged that the achievements of the Lotha community were not a source of pride for the community alone but also for the wider Naga society. He said the community had contributed significantly to the progress of Dimapur and strengthened the larger Naga society.

Emphasising the responsibility of public representatives, Longkumer said efforts must be made towards building a Nagaland where young people could find opportunities, businesses could grow and the hard work of communities could translate into lasting progress. He congratulated the Lotha community and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen unity, renew determination and inspire the younger generation to carry forward its spirit of enterprise.

MLA & Advisor, Tribal Affairs & Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi in his address, as guest of honour, described Tokhu Emong as the traditional post-harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas, marking a time of thanksgiving, renewed friendships, sharing happiness and setting aside grievances.

Highlighting the traditional theme of the festival, 'Englan-tso', meaning reconciliation, unity and beauty, Ayemi said the message remained relevant to all communities and emphasised the importance of forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.

Addressing two major concerns facing Naga society, Ayemi called for a balance between tribal identity and the larger shared Naga identity. He said while village, clan and tribal affiliations provided a sense of belonging and preserved cultural heritage, excessive tribalism in politics, employment and social relationships could weaken the collective strength of the Naga people.

He stressed that tribal pride should not come at the expense of Naga unity, asserting that all tribes were branches of the same tree and that the collective Naga identity must remain strong.

On modernisation, Ayemi cautioned against the gradual erosion of indigenous culture and traditions in the pursuit of progress. He observed that while education, technology and urbanisation were necessary, indigenous languages, oral traditions and traditional institutions were increasingly being neglected.

He expressed concern that younger generations were gradually replacing their indigenous languages with Nagamese and English, and called upon parents to take responsibility for preserving their mother tongues by speaking them at home.

As a way forward, Ayemi advocated stronger inter-tribal platforms to promote cooperation and mutual understanding, preservation of indigenous languages and a critical evaluation of customary practices. He also called for the removal of regressive practices that hinder social equality and restrict women's participation in decision-making processes.

He said being modern did not mean giving up one's Naga identity, just as pride in one's tribe should never lead to looking down upon another. He urged the people to choose unity over division and consciously preserve their cultural heritage while embracing positive changes.

The programme began with an invocation prayer by Senior Pastor of Lotha AG Church, Dimapur and AGEI General Superintendent, Rev. Thebemo Yanthan, followed by the presidential address delivered by Dimapur Lotha Hoho Chairman, Thungchanthung Murry. The blessing prayer was offered by LBCD Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha.

A Tokhu song was presented by Vungu Von, while a folk dance was presented by Dimapur Nkonjan N/Longidang Ekhung.The vote of thanks was delivered by DLEE Chairperson and Tokhu Committee member, Mhabeni Humtsoe, followed by the benediction prayer proposed by Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, Rev. Fr. John Nchumbemo Kikon.

The celebration was organised by Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) and hosted by Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton and family. The programme was attended by Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, and Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, as guests of honour, along with legislators, government officials, representatives of various Naga tribes and organisations, community leaders and well-wishers.