Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland, Yanthungo Patton, was greeted with the warmest war cry by various cultural troupes as he made his way as Special Guest into the Ahuna (post-harvest festival) celebration at Zunheboto district on 14 November.

The Deputy CM was also accompanied by the minister of Soil and Water Conservation, V Kashiho Sangtam, the advisor of Food & Civil Supplies, LMCP and Taxes, Pukhyi Sumi, the advisor of Prisons and Printing & Stationary, H Haiying, and the advisor of School Education and SCERT, K Tokugha Sukhalu.

Special Guest Y Patton greeted the whole of the Sümi community with the warmest Ahuna greetings.

He reminded the people of the brotherhood they shared in the past and the similarities they pose till the present day. While stressing on the Naga political issue, he conveyed that the Nagas are looking forward to the Sümis and its leaders who head major political bodies to lead the Nagas as a whole to the brightest days ahead.

He further had an appreciation of the mass marriage culture being adopted by Sümis and lauded the initiators of the mass marriage policy in society.

The Deputy CM said the citizens of the district should always encourage developments in the district and appealed to the landowners especially to work out the easiest solutions to land issues to encourage developments in the district.

Patton concluded by saying that elections may be due shortly but the unity they show in a celebration should not be lost and be instead carried forward in every situation. He also encouraged the community to maintain peace and tranquility among each other.

Pukhayi Sumi, also speaking at the celebration, said the community should never forget their roots – their tradition and culture – and reminded the community gathered that the remembrance of their roots is the actual celebration of the Ahuna Festival.

The advisor further added that the Nagas should always remind themselves that they all came into being from one house and home in the past. He concluded by saying that they should always value their rich tradition and culture.

Later, the gathering at the celebration was enthralled with mesmerizing cultural items, songs, and various other traditional activities, with the highlights being Aphilo Kuwo by Khukiye Lukhayi village, Ghile Qhesho by Philimi village, Kakapu by SBCZ, Ahuna Kibe by Satami village and a special presentation by Immanuel Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto.

The programme was earlier graced with an invocation prayer by E S SBAK Nito Mount, Rev Hukugha Zhimomi. The welcome address was given by the president of Sümi Hoho, I Nikheto Jimomi, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the vice president of the Sümi Hoho, Zhevihe Sumi.

The event was chaired by the general secretary of the Sümi Hoho, Dr Vihuto Assumi, while the comperes of the show were Ghuvika Yepthomi, president of ESSU, and Gihuka Zhimomi, president of ZRSU.