Ao Senden on August 1 celebrated Tsüngremmung 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, ringing together people from across the district for the pre-harvest festival.
The celebration, held under the theme “Sobaliba Washimung”, formed part of the state-wide observance of Tsüngremmung festival by the Ao Nagas dated by the Government of Nagaland. Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir attended the programme as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Jamir said the festival should remain a time of thanksgiving, sanctification and prayer for individuals, villages and farmlands. Referring to the traditional account of Tsüngremsang and Merangsang, he said their spirit of sharing blessings without division should continue to guide the Ao community in fostering unity and collective progress.
He also spoke on the Clean Election campaign of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), saying the initiative seeks to promote the election of honest and responsible leaders. Urging people to exercise their franchise conscientiously, he said every voter has a role in strengthening democratic institutions through informed choices.
Jamir further said the community should reflect on the values inherited from its ancestors and address internal challenges through cooperation rather than blame. On development, he observed that Mokokchung should identify the factors affecting its progress and work collectively towards sustainable growth.
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Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, in his festival greetings, described Tsüngremmung as an important occasion for preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing community bonds. He encouraged the youths to remain connected to their traditions while preparing themselves for future responsibilities.
Calling upon the youth to choose discipline, learning and public service, Verma said the district administration would continue working with village councils, churches, educational institutions, civil society organisations and youth groups for the overall development of the district.
He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by families in Tuli and other areas affected by recent floods and landslides, which caused damage to roads, communication infrastructure and agricultural land.
Earlier, Ao Senden president, Marsanen Imsong delivered the welcome address, while Khensa Village Council chairman, I Alemmeren Longchar spoke on the significance of Tsüngremmung and the activities related to it. Mokokchung Municipal Council chairperson Imkongchuba A also extended festival greetings.
The cultural programme featured performances by Watsü Mungdang, Ao Lanur Telungjem and Watemdong Cultural Club, Ungma. The celebration concluded with the traditional final Arr Atsütep tug-of-war competition, where Alempang Ward defeated Salangtem Ward. The competition among 18 wards of Mokokchung town was already held on July 31 with only the final match left which got witnessed during the Tsungremmung occasion in the presence of the Guest of Honour.
