The Aosungkum Cultural Club of Mokokchung Village on Saturday travelled to Chungliyimti Village for a Golden Jubilee exposure trip themed “Back to the Roots,” as part of its curtain-raiser programs ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2030.
Established on January 26, 1980, the club is among the oldest cultural clubs in Nagaland, according to its members.
The visit to Chungliyimti carried particular significance as the village is associated with the early history of the Aos before their migration to Soyim. The Longterok site, where the club members visited during the trip, is supported by archaeological evidence of earlier Ao settlement.
Club member Akangsowa said Chungliyimti was also a place from where the Aos carried their culture and traditions, including the celebration of Tsüngremmung and Moatsü, to subsequent settlements.
Vice President of the club, Tiakaba Kichu, said the decision to undertake the exposure trip ahead of the Golden Jubilee was also prompted by the advancing age of its members. He noted that many members may not know whether they would live to witness the Golden Jubilee in 2030, making it important to undertake the journey while they could.
At Longterok, members explored the site and gathered to sing traditional songs, reconnecting with the cultural traditions associated with their ancestral roots.
As part of the visit, the club members also met 97-year-old Holise Sangtam, the eldest resident of Chungliyimti Village, and presented him with an Ao traditional shawl as a gesture of respect.
Chubatemsu, Chairman of Chungliyimti Village, expressed gratitude to the club for choosing to visit the village and reconnect with its roots ahead of its Golden Jubilee.
The exposure trip formed part of the club’s preparations leading up to its Golden Jubilee celebration in 2030.
