Wokha, 4 November (MTNews): The vibrant Lotha Naga Primer Festival “Tokhü Emong” is in full swing as it entered its third day at the Local Ground in Wokha. This event has been a spectacle of folk songs, traditional dances, and a variety of group and individual competitions.
The third day of the festival was graced by the presence of senior advocate Orenvungo Humtsoe, who serves as the legal advisor to Lotha Hoho and is the convener of Tokhü Emong 2023. Speaking at the event, Humtsoe emphasized that Lothas, one of the 15 Naga tribes in Nagaland, are considered one of the advanced tribes with rich cultural practices. He expressed joy in celebrating Tokhü Emong, blending traditional music, art, and indigenous games to revive the Lotha Naga culture and pass it on to the younger generation.
Humtsoe urged the audience to prioritize and communicate in their mother tongue. He expressed concern that the present generation is at risk of losing touch with their rich cultural heritage. He stressed that language, traditional attire, and cultural practices are emblematic of the Lotha Naga tribe and urged every Lotha community to invest in reviving their cultural roots.
Humtsoe officially opened the Lotha cultural competitions during the event, which included Lotha folk songs, warrior dances, displays of Lotha cultivation practices by Lotha Students’ Union, yodeling, and solo singing competitions.
The program was chaired by Thungbeni Ngullie, President of Lotha Eloe Hoho, and the benediction was delivered by Loponi Ezung, a women leader from the Longsa Baptist Church.
Spring Dale School Wokha hosts cultural day celebrating tradition and gratitude
In the spirit of the Tokhü Emong festival, Spring Dale School Wokha organized a cultural day and day of gratitude on November 4, 2023, at their school campus. The event aimed to educate students about the rich traditions and customs of the Lotha community.
Solan Humtsoe, the former Lotha Hoho cultural secretary and a retired District Inspector of Schools (DIS), graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. During his address, Humtsoe underscored the significance of embracing one’s native language. He encouraged students to confidently use their local language when communicating with fellow Lothas, addressing the common issue of teenagers feeling self-conscious about speaking their vernacular language.
The theme speaker also took the opportunity to teach students traditional greetings and how to address elders and relatives, recognizing that many teenagers may not be familiar with proper formal etiquette. Exploring the importance of local attire, he explained the meanings of different shawls and who is entitled to wear them. He further delved into the historical practice of naming children based on life situations and circumstances.
While discussing these cultural elements, the speaker reminded both students and teachers about the proper etiquette of presenting a spear, emphasizing the tradition of carrying it in the right hand, in accordance with the customs of their forefathers. In his concluding remarks, he urged everyone present to preserve and respect their culture and traditions.
The event continued with captivating cultural presentations by students from all classes, including traditional folk dances, folk songs, weaving, knitting, and indigenous games and sports.