Guwahati, 13 November (MTNews): Sumi Students’ Union Guwahati celebrated the Ahuna Festival at Shilpgram NEZCC Guwahati with the theme “Pruning Our Identity” on 10th November 2023, with Y Kikheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as the Special Guest.
Sema mentioned that, like “Ahuna,” Assamese and Lothas also celebrate Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu and Tokhu Emong as a post-harvest festival. Sumis celebrate Ahuna after a year-long hard work to thank the almighty God for bountiful harvest while also welcoming the new agricultural year. The entire community feasts on the meal of rice Ahu-na, the first rice cooked in bamboo segments.
Reflecting on the theme, Sema said pruning is when you remove unwanted branches from a tree and improve every branch that bears fruits, so everyone should work hard to bear fruits.
While elaborating on the significance of the Ahuna Festival and traditional practices, Sema mentioned that as farmers celebrate the festival after a year-long hard work, students should also study hard to be successful individuals. He said changes should take place in traditional practices that are not applicable in today’s society. Sema expressed that while protecting our culture, we should also respect other cultures, but we should not adopt their culture. The misuse of our culture and identity by outsiders in our own land is unacceptable, stated Sema.
H Kashito Yepthomi, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, graced the festival as Ahuna Papuh, while Alobo Naga presented a special song. Representatives from Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, various tribal student leaders, Naga Students Union Guwahati, and hundreds of students attended the festival program.