Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor for Civil Administrative Works Department (CAWD) and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), hosted the Akuluto – V K Area Union Kohima Ahuna Festival on Monday.

Kinimi, who is the MLA from 31 A/C Akuluto constituency, was the Ahuna Papu or Ahuna father of the festival which was celebrated at his official residence in Kohima.

The Advisor, while welcoming the people to the celebration said that without unity, there can never be any progress in the society and urged the community to love, respect, and keep the bond stronger to move forward for a better future.

Former President of Akuluto – V K Area Union Kohima, V Khekiye Kiba, while speaking about the significance of the festival said Ahuna is a post-harvest festival where traditionally, the community celebrates a successful harvest with thanksgiving while invoking the spirits for the good fortune and bountiful harvest in the new year.

Kiba said at the Ahuna feast, the first meal of rice is drawn from the season’s harvest that is cooked in bamboo segments. But he added that the feast is not the most important part of the festival. Ahuna is an occasion when one asks for forgiveness and reconciles with one another if there was any dispute or differences, he said.

Lamenting that traditional and cultural values are on the verge of extinction, Kiba urged the younger generations to preserve the traditional values and practices of the forefathers in sincerity and with reverence.

The Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Vikato Kinimi, also encouraged the youths to be more sincere and dedicated in their studies to achieve one’s goals.

The day-long programme included folksongs, special songs, and an Ahuna feast organised by the Ahuna Papu.