Yimkhiung women enacts traditional weaving and sowing practice during the Tsungkamnyo Festival held at Sangphur village on January 15. (DIPR Photo)
Sangphur, January 15 (MExN): The Mini-Hornbill Extension of the Tsungkamnyo Festival was celebrated at Sangphur Village with Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports and Chairman of the DPDB Shamator, S Keoshu Yimchunger, gracing the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was also attended by Sanglipong S Panger, PRO to the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Government of India, and members of the Longsa Village.
Addressing the gathering, Yimchunger warmly welcomed the invitees and expressed gratitude to the Longsa Village Council for travelling from Mokokchung district, describing it as a reflection of the deep bond of brotherhood between the two communities. He recalled that the Ao community had entered Yimkhiung land with the message of Christianity and education, and noted that the Yimkhiung people embraced Christianity through Sema and Ao missionaries.
Acknowledging the Aos as pioneers, Yimchunger said they continue to lead the Nagas as a whole. Through the joint celebration of the Tsungkamnyo Festival with the Longsa Village Council, he expressed hope that ties between Sangphur and Longsa villages would be further strengthened, bringing the Ao and Yimkhiung tribes closer as brothers and sisters.
Chairman of the Longsa Village Council, Akangjungshi, thanked the Sangphur Village Council for the invitation and expressed his desire for closer relations between the two villages. He said Sangphur Village would also be invited to Ao festivals in the future, enabling both communities to share their rich cultural heritage while building strong bridges between the Yimkhiung and Ao tribes. He also invoked blessings for the year 2026 upon the citizens of Sangphur during the Tsungkamnyo Festival.
Sanglipong S. Panger, representing MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, conveyed brief remarks on the MP’s behalf due to his sudden health issue. He assured that the relationship between the Ao community and Sangphur Village in particular, and the Yimkhiung community in general, would continue to grow stronger. Emphasising the importance of relationships, he said that while nothing material is taken after life, good relationships and friendships help build a better society, reflecting heaven on earth.
Panger added that his association with Sangphur Village is longstanding and would continue to grow stronger, and assured that he and the MP would visit Sangphur Village together before the end of the tenure.
The programme concluded with cultural dances and traditional displays.
