Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, Yitachu, tribal leaders and others during Yemshe festival in Kohima on October 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 4
The Pochury community of the state capital Kohima today celebrated its premier festival -Yemshe with much pomp and traditional gaiety at Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima.
Addressing the celebration as the special guest, MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso (Ato) lauded the Pochury community for preserving its rich cultural identity while ushering unity and progress for the society.
He complimented Pochury for being a peace-loving community, humbleness and contributing a lot in the progress of the state capital Kohima.
“Your community has been a part of our Naga journey right from the British era,” Dr. Rhütso said.
Stating that Meluri District is blessed with many natural resources, he said “I believe that one day, different parts of the Nagaland will depend on your district as our source of income.”
Yet, if we do not allow the government to explore them for our own good, and at the same time, for further development, it will be of no use, he said and stressed on the need to tap the resources.
Dr. Rhütso was optimistic that Meluri district, which shares a border with Myanmar, would soon become the route for trade activities with the Southeast Asia countries.
Thanking the youngsters for trying to keep their culture intact, he said “If we lose our identity, if we lose our culture, we will become lost people.”
Touching on the proposed “One Rupee Project for Change,” - a community-driven initiative aimed at generating resources for local development, he said “It is already in the pipeline.”
It will be launched very soon, and I hope everyone will participate, he said.
Under this project, citizens will contribute one rupee a day and the funds will be utilized for infrastructure needs such as drainage, footpaths, and pothole repairs etc, Dr. Rhütso said.
Call for more social interactions amongst Tenyimi
Angami Public Organization (APO) president Thejao Vihienuo shared greetings and congratulated Pochury tribe for attaining Meluri district.
“We look forward this as a milestone for progress of our people,” he said.
He said that Tenyimi are not just a group of different tribes but a group of people where it shares common ancestry.
In this, he stressed on the need to strengthen unity amongst the Tenyimi by having more social interactions.
Former minister Yitachu maintained that Meluri district is blessed with rich mineral resources, which can contribute greatly to a state's economy.
“Pochury will be the gateway of the Southeast Asia countries for North east India,” he said.
Stating that the responsibility of the Pochury community is huge, he called upon the young people to apply their best minds toward socio-economic development.
“We have to contribute towards the greater cause of the Nagas as a whole. he said.
Further, Yitachu stressed on the need to stand together and cooperate with one another and move forward.
About Yemshe festival
Highlighting the significance of Yemshe, Pochury Hoho Kohima (PHK) general secretary Yitsuchu Trakha said that Yemshe, the premier festival of the Pochury Nagas, is celebrated to welcome the new harvest.
This cultural event is deeply tied to agriculture, the preservation of cultural heritage and communal solidarity, Trakha said adding that no harvest is permitted until the festival culminates with the sanctification day.
Until the advent of Christianity, Yemshe festival was celebrated for a period of 22 days, beginning in late September and culminating in the first week of October every year.
Once the festival is completed, the harvest begins, marking the start of a new agricultural cycle, Trakha added.
Tribal leaders from Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma and Zeliang also graced the festival.
Earlier, PHK president Thosiepa Katiry delivered welcome address.
The festival also witnessed folk songs from Kamaleah, Apoksah and Phoyisha ranges, folk dance from Meluri range, and a special number by Lolia Ngouri and Aviküthe Ngouri.
PHK finance secretary Nyuvitho Nyuthe proposed vote of thanks.
Rev. Dr. Z. Mosa Tsang, Pastor, PBCK and Vizhula Nyusou, Children Pastor, PBCK prayed for the programme.
Kuoshuvo Kajiri and Awie Katiry compered the programme.
The festival concluded with a grand Yemshe feast.
