Tsokum festival of the Khiamniungans was celebrated at Noklak town on 5th October 2021 at KTC treasurer’s residence with Deputy Commissioner, NoklakHiazuMeru as special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, HiazuMeru said that, the Naga history is based on oral tradition and through festival we learn our culture, tradition, custom, dress and food habits which are the identity. Through festival, people unite and bring unity among the people.
Meru stated that during the ancient times, the economy was self-sufficient and every village lived as a village republic. He said that the source of livelihood of the ancestors were agriculture where farming play an important roles in their lives and in order to have a bountiful harvest and blessings, they organized festival to give thanks and seek blessings.
The DC challenged the gathering to practice good qualities of their ancestors and to pass it down to the next generation. While appreciating Khiamniungan Tribal Council for inviting and organize Tsokum Festival, Meru expressed hope that, through the Tsokum festival, the people of Khiamniungans will be blessed.
Head GB of Noklak town, Heme stated that, Tsokum is a festival of dedication to commence the harvest in the jhum field which is a week-long celebration that lasts for eight (8) days by performing different forms of rites and rituals. During tsokum festival, each and every family used to offer prayer and make sacrifices by killing domesticated animals to the god (kou-o) for fertility of crops, bountiful harvest, to bless their livestock and grant health to human beings as well and the essence of festival is for unity, peace and harmony for the people of Khiamniungan, he said.
Heme added that Tsokum festival marks the beginning of harvest before where no one is allowed to reap and take the newly harvested rice/grains as it is believed that unfavorable events and famines befalls upon or family. He also said that during the festival, people enjoy with sharing of food, meat, rice beer to relatives, friends and guest or even to the stranger who happen to come during the festive occasion and the host of the community feast i.e, the memeipou (rich men) inviting rich and poor alike which signifies love, concern and unity.
Cultural folk song called Hoi-e Tsui was presented by Khiamniungan Cultural Club, Noklak town.
Khiamniungan Tribal Council, President, M. Thangou delivered welcome address. The programme was chaired by Executive Chairman KTC, Pakhiu. The programme was organized by Khiamniungan Tribal Council and was attended by District Administration, Commandant 45 Assam Rifles, HODs of different departments, civil societies, Church leaders and elders.
(APRO & IA Noklak)
