The Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival was celebrated with colour and reflection at the Public Ground, Wokha, on November 7, 2025. The event brought together community leaders, cultural troupes, and citizens to honour the spirit of thanksgiving, reconciliation, and ancestral legacy.
Chief Guest and MLA, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, in his keynote address, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the occasion and extended Tokhü Emong greetings to the Lotha community. He described the festival as a time to renew friendships, exchange gifts, and celebrate with joy and dignity. Drawing parallels with the Chakhesang post-harvest festival, he emphasized the importance of preserving tribal rituals and oral traditions for future generations.
Dr. Mero commended the Lotha community for its rich agricultural resources, growing representation in the state bureaucracy, and economic contributions through horticulture and tourism. He highlighted the Doyang hydroelectric project and the region’s significance as a roosting site for migratory Amur Falcons while encouraging the community to explore untapped oil reserves for development. He urged the youth to uphold the dignity of labour and emulate the hardworking spirit of their forebears. Referring to Japan’s post-war recovery, he said discipline and respect for all forms of work can transform societies. He also called for unity among Naga tribes and challenged young people to overcome tribalism to build a peaceful, inclusive future. “Each one of us can bring a ray of hope to build a better Naga society,” he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, extended Tokhü greetings and spoke on preserving cultural identity in a changing world. He emphasized reconciliation, forgiveness, and brotherhood as foundations for progress.
The welcome address was delivered by Lotha Hoho Chairman, Er. Mhondamo Ovung, while Pvuti Tso-rüi, Council Chairman of Elumyo Village, and C. Zumomo Tsanglao shared the meaning and significance of Tokhü Emong.
Cultural highlights included a folk dance by the Nrung Longidang Cultural Troupe and a tug-of-war competition, where Midland Colony Wokha emerged as the winner. The festival concluded with renewed pride in tradition and a call for unity and cultural preservation.