The Mopungchuket Senso Telungjem Mokokchung Town marked the Advent season with a warm celebration on December 7 at Aongza Ki, bringing together residents and their in-laws for a day of worship, fellowship and community unity. Held under the theme ‘Indescribable gift’ based on 2 Corinthians 9:15, the program was wholly initiated, funded, and organized by the ‘anükapang’ or in-laws of Mopungchuket residing in Mokokchung town. The ‘anükapang’ hold an important social role in Ao Naga society and culture.
Beyond commemorating the Advent, the gathering served as a time of bonding and strengthening of cohesion among the community. All participants in the program were the in-laws and their children, who also took up responsibilities as ushers and servers.
The event, chaired by Imkongsunep (Longmisa), began with a declamation prepared by Rev Temsukaba (Longmisa) and recited by Lenila (Waromung). An Advent Christmas message was delivered by Tajenkaba (Chungliyimsen) while an exhortation was delivered by Arentemjen Jamir (Akhoya). The main speaker, Rev Temsuwati Kichu (Aliba), delivered the day’s sermon.
The in-laws also presented a special number. Other participants included Talirenba (Longsa), Sashimeren (Mekuli), Imtichujang (Khar), Opangti (Mongsenyimti) and Rev Temsukaba (Longmisa). The celebration also included the presentation of special gifts to the oldest man and woman of Mopungchuket residing in Mokokchung town, a luck draw and a mass feast.
The Mopungchuket Senso Telungjem Mokokchung Town celebrates the Advent annually, usually organized by the Aotemulungtsür Temungjem Mokokchung Town. This year, however, the Aotemulungtsür entrusted the in-laws to organize the event with Imnameren (Chungtia) as the organizing committee convener along with Wabang Kichu (Aliba), Imkongsunep (Longmisa) and Imsutoshi (Changki) as members.
Wabang Kichu, an in-law of Mopungchuket and member of the organizing committee, expressed happiness at the opportunity to organize the Advent Christmas program. He said that, apart from sharing the bond with their wives’ community, the event also provided the in-laws the opportunity to get to know each other better and build friendship. He also expressed interest in holding similar bonding events in the future.
It may be mentioned that there are over 400 households of Mopungchuket villagers in Mokokchung town while there are around 130 in-laws of Mopungchuket in the town.
