Chuchuyimlang village will host its Moatsü celebration on May 1, continuing a long-standing tradition that brings together Naga communities through its unique “Ancha” practice of inviting neighbouring tribes.
Addressing a press conference, Aosanen Pongen, VCC Chuchuyimlang, said the village has celebrated Moatsü since its inception. However, it was during the Kososanger Putu, that the village decided to celebrate Moatsü by organising formal programs and inviting dignitaries.
“Chuchuyimlang has been celebrating Moatsü since the inception of the village like every other villages in Mokokchung district,” he said, adding that the structured observance began during “our father’s time, the Kosasanger Putu.”
He said the village remained consistent in observing the festival even during a period when many in Mokokchung district were “at the verge of giving up” the celebration.
A defining feature of Chuchuyimlang’s Moatsü is the “Ancha” tradition, where villages from other Naga tribes are invited to participate. This year, cultural troupes from Konyak, Phom, Chang and Sangtam communities are expected to attend.
“The Ancha tradition is a way of strengthening ancestral friendship and ties among different tribes,” Pongen said.
Owing to this distinct practice, the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland declared Chuchuyimlang as a Moatsü destination in 2000.
The 2026 celebration will be attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton as guest of honour and Advisor to the Chief Minister Abu Metha as special guest.
Rongsen, GB, explained that Moatsü is rooted in agrarian life, marking the season of cultivation. “It is the time when we clear fields for cultivation and pray for blessings and protection of our crops,” he said, noting that the festival has been observed since the time of their forefathers.
Villages from across tribes expected to participate include Changlangshu and Okha (Konyak); Yachem, Yaongyimchen, Orangkong, Pongu, Hukpang and Pongching (Phom); Yaongyimti (Old and New), Chakpa, Longra, Yangpi and Yali (Chang); and Chungliyimti (Sangtam).
As preparations continue, Chuchuyimlang’s Moatsü remains not only a cultural celebration but a platform for sustaining inter-tribal ties through tradition.