In a remarkable celebration of cultural identity and inter-community fellowship, the Ao students of Eastern Theological College (ETC), in a joint effort with the families of the Ao community in Jorhat, successfully hosted the first-ever Tsüngremmung Festival at the ETC campus.
Held under the theme ”Celebrating Culture, Building Community,” the event marked a significant cultural and historical milestone in the life of the college. It was the first time the Ao community formally introduced and celebrated the Tsüngremmung festival within the ETC community.
The program, held at the college auditorium, was graced by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as Chief Guest. He was accompanied by an official team from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, including the Secretary-in-charge, the Additional Secretary, and the Senior Special PS to the Speaker.
In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of unity as reflected in the motto of the Nagaland government. He encouraged the community to continue fostering such moments of togetherness — celebrating one another, learning across cultures, and building toward a shared identity as one Naga family, united in spirit by faith and in action by the values that faith teaches.
Rev Dr Prof Razouselie Lasetso, Principal of Eastern Theological College, served as Guest of Honour, delivering words of affirmation and encouragement on cultural-theological integration. The event also saw the presence of Imotemsu Ao, IFS, who brought greetings on behalf of the Ao community in Jorhat.
The program began with a prayer by Prof Dr Lovely Awomi James, faculty member of ETC, followed by a reflective talk on the spirit of Tsüngremmung by Rev Dr Sashikaba Kechutzar, senior Ao faculty. The event featured traditional Ao folk music, dance presentations, and greetings by distinguished guests, culminating in the keynote speech by the Chief Guest. The program concluded with a benediction pronounced by Dr Lipoknenla Ozukum, faculty member of ETC.
Following the formal program, the celebration continued with a vibrant community feast, where traditional Ao dishes were served to over 600 attendees. The atmosphere was lively and festive, filled with laughter, warm conversations, and the joy of shared fellowship. People from across communities came together not just to eat, but to experience the spirit of Tsüngremmung in its fullest form — through food, togetherness, and celebration.
This historic celebration of Tsüngremmung within the walls of Eastern Theological College not only fostered cultural pride among the Ao students but also created a space for inter-community appreciation and unity, echoing the festival’s deeper purpose of fellowship, thanksgiving, anticipation of blessing, and communal bonding.
(This report has been published as received)
