Officials and others during the Ahuna Festival 2025 celebration at Pughoboto Town Baptist Church on November 13.
Pughoboto, November 13 (MExN): The Ahuna Festival 2025, celebrating the theme “Bound by History, Bridging Generations,” commenced with a ‘Blessing and Thanksgiving Service’ at Pughoboto Town Baptist Church on November 13. The event is being organised by Sümi Hoho and hosted by Sümi Aphuyemi Frontal Organizations, with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The special guest, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, described the Ahuna festival as a celebration of the “dignity of work” and urged the community to preserve its core values. Gracing the occasion as the special guest, Sema reminded the gathering that the Ahuna Festival, the most significant celebration of the Sümi Nagas, is a “culmination of hard work, perseverance, and agricultural labour.”
Addressing the younger generation, he exhorted students to never replace hard work with shortcuts, noting that genuine success can only be achieved through “discipline, perseverance, and integrity”.
Linking the festival’s spirit of unity to present realities, Sema expressed concern over the growing divisiveness within society, especially the tendency to criticize and discredit leaders on social media.
He appealed to the community to embrace reconciliation and harmony, saying, “Let us make peace, not pieces.”
He also highlighted the strategic position of the Sümi community as a potential catalyst for Naga unity while raising an alarm over the “unsustainable” cost of elections in the state.
Sema observed that the Sümi region, being centrally located and sharing boundaries with almost all major Naga tribes, is in a unique position to “build bridges of friendship and understanding,” an official release said. He described this geographical centrality as both a “privilege and a responsibility” to promote unity among all Nagas.
Reflecting on his 38 years of public service, the senior bureaucrat reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among Naga tribes. He encouraged the community to continue preserving traditional agricultural practices, citing Satami and Sapotimi villages as exemplary models that still value hard work and self-reliance.
Delivering the keynote address, Hotoshe Sema, General Secretary Sumi Hoho, highlighted that the reason for celebrating the Ahuna Festival in Pughoboto this year was to bring a change, as the festival had always been held in Zunheboto town in the past. He explained that this decision also aims to strengthen relationships with neighbouring tribes. Henceforth, the Ahuna Festival will be celebrated in all the subdivisions of Zunheboto District, one after another, he added.
Gihuka Zhimomi, President of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, underscored the rich cultural heritage that unites the Sumi community and called it a collective responsibility to uphold these traditions.
In his address, Zhimomi expressed deep concern over a “growing complacency and idle mindset,” which he stated are eroding the societal fabric. He clarified that these are not simply generational gaps but indicative of a more profound social decline. “The loss of purpose and organizational discipline has led to discord within the community,” he noted.
He emphasised the need for every organization and individual to recognize their boundaries and perform their duties with humility. He cautioned that attitudes of self-importance and the tendency to undermine others are destructive forces that break down the trust essential for community cohesion, risking a legacy of division for posterity.
Zhimomi urged everyone to re-evaluate their attitudes, foster mutual respect, and embrace self-discipline. He asserted that this is the path to preserving the dignity of the Sumi people and inspiring future generations.
Hikavi Kinimi, President, Sumi Youth Organisation and Vitoli Sumi, President Sumi Totimi Hoho also spoke during the event. The service was chaired by Otova Swu, Vice President Sümi Hoho, a special tribute was presented by Vipito V Swu and Nguvili Assumi, special song by Lovi Aye and a closing prayer led by Alito V Swu, Women Secretary, SABAK.
