As Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) prepares to celebrate its 36th Children Christmas Cake Carol Competition (C5), the town of Phek is set to host its inaugural edition on December 19, 2024. Inspired by MTBA’s cherished tradition that began in 1989, the event in Phek is organized by the C5 Phek Committee in collaboration with the Phek Town Youth Society (PTYS) and supported by Forerunners Nagaland.
C5 was founded in 1989 during a time of unrest in Mokokchung. I Temsu Jamir, a founding member of the event, recalled, “We started with zero budget. We decided to keep the cake as a prize.
We cyclostyled tickets on a sheet of paper containing around 10 tickets, priced at 20 rupees each. We also had multiple prizes, but due to limited funds, we opted for simple cakes without icing.
Mokokchung was caught in a period of unrest and uncertainty due to underground activities and to bring some joy, we decided to organize this event, which continued despite the challenging circumstances. The situation was so bad that all forms of entertainment—like concerts and public gatherings—were banned due to fear. Yet, we carried on. The interesting part is that we received support from all quarters—the administration, the underground, and even commercial shops—for providing sweets to be distributed among the children.”
Over the years, C5 has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in Mokokchung, drawing participants and audiences alike to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through music and fellowship, according to Rev Ponen Longchar. “This initiative was established by our church in 1989 with a clear intention to illuminate the hearts of children with the love of Jesus Christ,” Longchar added.
Reflecting on its consistent conduct of the event for over three decades, Rev Ponen Longchar said, “MTBA has been conducting this event for the past 35 years independently, without collaboration with other organizations, in order to preserve its Christian essence and prevent dilution by non-Christian influences.” He emphasized that maintaining this independence ensures the event remains true to its original purpose of glorifying God, upholding its spiritual significance, and safeguarding its core values from being compromised by external agendas or conflicting interests.
This year, Phek will set out on its own journey with the inaugural C5. The organizers, Forerunners Nagaland and PTYS, aim to bring the same joy and warmth to their town. Inspired by Mokokchung’s decades-long tradition, the organizers sought permission from MTBA to adopt the name and concept. “We have already expressed our gratitude to the senior pastor of MTBA for granting us consent to carry forward this wonderful concept,” they said.
When asked about their goal, the organizers stated, “While some may view it as imitation, we believe that imitating good things can lead to positive outcomes. Our primary aim is not just to achieve personal goals but to emphasize the importance of praising God through platforms like carol competitions”.
The event in Phek aims to create a similar sense of joy and fellowship while providing opportunities for young people to grow. “Inspired by this, the Forerunners Nagaland felt moved to introduce a similar tradition in the Phek community. This event not only continues the spirit of the holiday but also provides a vital platform for nurturing young talent, encouraging their growth and development from an early age,” the organizers shared.
Despite being at different stages of their journeys, both Mokokchung and Phek share the same mission: to glorify God through music and fellowship. While Mokokchung reflects on three decades of memories, Phek begins writing its own story, setting the foundation for what could become another enduring legacy in Nagaland.
(The reporter is an intern at Mokokchung Times)