Longkhum village witnessed a significant cultural event on November 22, 2024, as the Mejensanger Putu handed over the baton of traditional authority (Putu Menden) to the Mopungsanger Putu, who will now command the reins of the village polity for the next generational cycle (Putu), lasting approximately but not more than 30 years.
The newly inducted Putu Menden members are from Alang Riju and Imchen Riju under Yimrong Mepu, and Tongpang Riju under Sangpang Mepu, with Alang Riju contributing 58 members, Imchen Riju 67 members, and Tongpang Riju 87 members.
This Putu is specifically for the Mongsen phratry of Longkhum village. Longkhum is one of the very few Ao Naga villages where the traditional Chungli and Mongsen phratries coexist.
The Putu Menden, which in contextual usage means “the Seat of Power of a Generation Cycle,” is the federal assembly of elders representing the founding clans of the village. Putu refers to a generation or generational cycle, implying a period tied to a specific generation within a timeframe of approximately 30 years, while Menden, literally meaning “seat,” is associated with authority, leadership, or power.
Elders of the Putu Menden are also selected according to the number of Mepu (sectors) in the village, and hence, the size of the Putu Menden varies from village to village.
In accordance with Ao Naga traditions, the change of guard is a ceremonial process involving rituals that emphasize sanctity and purification.
“Traditionally, before the transition, couples must maintain Anempong (genna) for at least a week,” explained a village elder. Members taking up new responsibilities are also required to observe purity, such as eating food they prepare themselves and being mindful of their speech. This entire ritual is referred to as Kimo.
A symbolic part of the ceremony unique to Longkhum village involves each member of the Putu donating a pig. At today’s event in Longkhum, a total of 212 pigs were donated by the members of the incoming Mopungsanger Putu.
Additionally, as part of the ritual, one pig from each Riju was slaughtered at the Ariju (village morung), and the distribution of the meat symbolized the allocation of roles within the new leadership.
“At the 17th year, we are passing down our responsibility to them,” shared Pangeryapang, a 78-year-old elder of the outgoing Mejensanger Putu, reflecting on the ceremonial handover. He also noted that storytelling is avoided on the day when blood sacrifices, such as the slaughtering of pigs, are made, as it is considered culturally inappropriate.
As per Ao Naga traditional polity, there are five generations in a generational cycle: Medemsanger, Mejensanger, Mopungsanger, Kosasanger, and Riongsanger.
The Putu Menden is the supreme authority in Ao Naga customary practices and the highest arbiter of Ao Naga customary law.
The Putu Menden transition ceremony, steeped in tradition, marks the culmination of a long and sacred process, showcasing Longkhum’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage while passing down leadership roles through generations.
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