As the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws near, residents of Akamen Colony of Mokokchung Village have once again begun decorating their locality with the national flags of participating countries, continuing the legacy of the beautiful game of football tradition that has become a familiar initiative of the colony over the years.
The initiative is carried out by 11 households comprising around 50 family members. Residents said the tradition is not limited to the FIFA World Cup but is also observed during major international tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and Copa América.
Along the colony’s staircase and pathways, colourful national flags of participating teams have been displayed, presenting the community’s enthusiasm for football. While Argentina remains a favourite among many of the mothers in the colony, Germany enjoys strong support among a majority of the younger football fans.
According to residents, the tradition has been maintained for some years and has become closely associated with the colony. Over the years, it has gained recognition in the locality, with many people often enquiring when the flags would be put up if the installations are delayed.
The residents said the initiative is funded through a monthly colony contribution, with each household contributing Rs 200 towards a common fund used for community activities and celebrations. Apart from football tournaments, the colony also undertakes annual Christmas decorations.
Members said the effort is aimed at encouraging community participation, inspiring children and creating a festive atmosphere during major sporting events.
One of the unique aspects of the initiative is that most of the flags are handmade. Residents explained that purchasing readymade flags can be expensive, with larger flags costing between Rs 400 and Rs 500 each. Instead, they buy white cloth and coloured ones to make the flags themselves. The mothers assist in stitching the cloth while children and youths paint the national emblems and designs using fabric colours.
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They said the practice is not only cost effective but also helps strengthen relationships among residents through teamwork, gatherings and shared participation. Another reason for making the flags themselves is the limited availability of certain national flags in the market, where only popular football nations such as Argentina, Germany, Brazil, England, Spain, France and Portugal are commonly available.
Residents estimated that the total expenditure for the initiative, including refreshments and materials, comes to around Rs 5,000.
Preparations usually begin about a week in advance, during which residents clean the colony’s stairways and surroundings before putting up the decorations. Men, women, youths and children all contribute in different ways to ensure the work is completed on time.
Speaking about the colony’s football culture, Sanen, a young football enthusiast, said that almost everyone in the colony watches World Cup matches together.
“We usually gather in one house to watch the matches. During the last World Cup final, a projector was even arranged for the community viewing,” he said.
He also shared that residents participate in a friendly prediction based competition during the tournament. Participants predict which countries will qualify for the Round of 16, quarterfinals and semifinals, with points awarded for correct predictions. The participant with the highest points at the end of the tournament is declared the winner.
Residents said the football tradition has helped them build unity among themselves and provided an opportunity to the families and children to come together and celebrate the world’s biggest football tournaments.
