A year after the General Assembly election, Chuchuyimpang village in Mokokchung District observed the Tsüngremmung festival with grandeur in the village community hall today. The festival, which aimed to foster unity and strength among the villagers, received an overwhelming response.
“This festival is significant for the village,” said Village Chairman Temsumoa Imsong, “because it celebrates the happiness we have achieved through unity.”
It may be mentioned that the village demonstrated strength and unity for the first time following the divisions that emerged during the General Assembly Election 2023. The Tsüngremmung festival for the village was not just about preserving traditions and culture; it was about fostering unity within the village. “Our forefathers found its significance during field cultivation. It is important because it used to be a time when all groups unite and give thanks to god and seek blessings. Today, we are doing that as Christians,” said Imoakum, BDO.
With the change of the era, Imoakum expressed hope that the village would keep “unity” and “blessing” as the objectives of the Tsüngremmung festival. “Laws are broken and repaired by humans, and therefore, we can repair the damages. If we can unite, we should unite from the heart,” he said.
Alemtoshi, Retd Head Dobashi, appealed to the village to hold either the Tsüngremmung or Moatsü Festival annually or at least every few years and organize various competitions. He believes this will serve as a proper medium to pass down the heritage and the legacy of the forefathers to the younger generations.
Tsüknungtemsu Lemtur from Kohima called the festival “grandeur” but lamented the lack of development in the once pioneering district, Mokokchung. He asked, “What do we have in our land? Airport? Train? University? Hospital? Persons of interest like Captain Imliakum Ao? Do we have enough people like him? It is time to look into it.”
Lemtur also noted that Fazl Ali College, the oldest college in Nagaland, should have been a university by now.
“We used to be the pinnacle of culture, leaders, and teachers. But where are we today?” he asked, challenging the gathering to see if this Tsüngremmung can “Rebrand, Rebuild, and Power” the community. He expressed hope that this Tsüngremmung celebration has invigorated hope in him.
Er Moasanen Imsong said, “Jealousy, hatred, and lies are more dangerous than drugs and cancer in society as they destroy relationships.” He urged the gathering to have the objectives of unity and blessing in the Tsüngremmung festival, stating, “Let’s not celebrate it for namesake, but let this be a celebration that will strengthen us in unity.” He emphasized the importance of “forgiveness and love,” noting that without love among families, kin, villages, and tribes, progress is impossible.
Nagaland MP Supongmeren Jamir, whom Moasangba Jamir credited as a driving force in initiating the village’s unity, stressed that “unity” is crucial for success.