The 50th Mokokchung Inter Ward Christmas Cake Race was held on 23 December 2023 at the town square, Mokokchung organized by the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) in collaboration with the Seasonal Club Mokokchung with the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer as the guest of honor.
The first cake race was organized by the Seasonal Club in 1971 and has been held every year since, except in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic years.
The guest of honor flagged off the race which was marshaled by the 80-year-old M Supong Longkumer, member of Seasonal Club, who rode his classic Honda CB 750 superbike.
In an interesting turn of events, multiple-time winners in recent years, including the previous cake race – Lijaba Lijen Ward – were leading the race for the most part closely followed by last year’s runners-up Dilong Ward. However, Dilong Ward overtook the Lijaba Lijen Ward runner in the anchor leg of the relay race to win the 50th edition of the Inter Ward Christmas Cake Race. Arkong Ward, the dominant winners during the 1990s, came in third. This was the first time that Arkong Ward finished in the top three in almost two decades.
In celebration of the 50th year of the cake race, the organizers reinstated the Inter Ward Fancy Dress Competition, a nostalgic element from earlier years. The Fancy Dress Competition was held on the theme ‘Visit of the Magi’ where Kichutip Ward, Kumlong Ward and Alempang Ward were adjudged winners, first runners-up and second runners-up respectively.
The MMC awards for the Best Maintained Ward were also announced. Salangtem Ward received the Best Maintained Ward title, followed by Alempang Ward and Aongza Ward in the second and third positions. Alempang Ward was additionally recognized as the Most Improved Ward.
Furthermore, the MMC presented gifts to the oldest man and woman in each of the 18 wards in Mokokchung town. Akumkaba, 100 years old, a resident of Lijaba Lijen Ward and hailing from Mongsenyimti Village and Pangertula Lemtur, 102 years, hailing from Longpa village and residing in Dilong Ward, were noted to be the oldest man and oldest woman among them.
The guest of honor, Sharingain Longkumer, while speaking at the event acknowledged the contributions of the members of Seasonal Club Mokokchung to the town and district. On the occasion, he also announced that he would rebuild the iconic Clock Tower of Mokokchung. He also released the Golden Jubilee Souvenir magazine.
The day began with an invocation by the pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church, Rev. Ponen Longchar. Other highlights of the event included a short speech by president of Seasonal Club Mokokchung, Apong Pongener; Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Thsuvisie Phoji; All Ward Union Mokokchung Town president Limanungsang; special presentations by Syntonia choir, Imsutuden and Arenlong Longkumer. ADC and Administrator of MMC, Chumlamo Humtsoe delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a benediction by Teyalo, pastor of Tenyimia Baptist Church, Mokokchung.
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