The Sumi Students’ Union Guwahati celebrated Ahuna Festival at Shilpgram NEZCC Guwahati with the theme “Pruning our Identity ‘’ on November 10, informed the DIPR. The event was graced by Y Kikheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Govt. of Nagaland as the Chief Guest.

While addressing the gathering, Sema highlighted the significance and relevance of Ahuna Festival in the 21st century, and stated that 71 percent of the Naga’s live in rural areas and are engaged in unique jhum cultivation with 11-12 phases of activities in a year.

Sema stated, like “Ahuna” Assamese and Lothas also celebrates Magh Bihu/ Bhogali Bihu and Tokhu Emong as a post harvest festival. Ahuna is celebrated after a year long hard work to thank the almighty God for the bountiful harvest while also welcoming the new agricultural year. The entire community feasts on the Ahu-na, 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 Ahuna Festival and traditional practices. Sema, mentioned that as farmers celebrate the festival after a year long hard work, likewise Students should also study hard to be successful. “Changes should take place in our traditional practices which are not applicable in today’s society,” said Sema who also expressed concern that while protecting our culture we should also respect others cultures. Misuse of our culture, identity by outsiders in our own land is unacceptable, stated Sema.

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While visualising the rich traditional and cultural practices of the Nagas, Sema said, the government of Nagaland has marketed the state as the ‘land of festivals’ which has taken well nationally and internationally particularly the Hornbill Festival.

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.