The Dimapur Chakhesang Council (DCC) celebrated its annual social gathering-cum-Tsükhenye Festival on April 12, at the Dimapur Government College auditorium under the theme “Embracing Unity, Progress and Cultural Values.” Commissioner and Secretary of Women Resources Development, Zhothisa Dawhuo IAS, graced the occasion as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dawhuo emphasized the urgent need to reconnect with cultural roots, cautioning that the community risked losing its traditions if generational gaps in cultural knowledge were not addressed. “You lose your wealth, you lose nothing. You lose your morals, you have lost something. You lose your culture, you have lost everything,” he stated, calling for introspection and action.
He noted how previous generations were deeply familiar with nature and fluent in their native languages, contrasting it with the present-day detachment among youth, particularly in urban settings like Dimapur. He urged the Chakhesang community to consider its diverse dialects a strength rather than a barrier, and to unite under a common identity.
Dawhuo said that the community must set aside clan and village affiliations and work together to preserve the language, values, and cultural identity, while appealing to both youth and elders to ensure future generations remain connected to their heritage.
DCC Advisor Mikha Lomi also addressed the significance of the Tsükhenye festival, describing it as more than just a celebration. “Tsükhenye marks the end of all merrymaking and traditional games until November. It’s a season of reflection, where traditions like wrestling, music, and even public cursing rituals served as societal tools,” he said.
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Highlighting the symbolic acts once used to uphold moral order in society, Lomi reminded the gathering of the wisdom and methods of their ancestors and stated, “This festival reminds us who we are. Let’s not lose it to time,”.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by DCC Secretary Veseta Rhakho. Invocation by Senior Pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev. Dr. P. Bonny Resu, while DCC Chairman Kewengulo Kapfo welcomed the gathering. Other highlights included a folk tune by Vetahulu Sapu & Friends, special presentations by the Phek District Music & Art Society, and short speeches by CPO Vice President and DCC Advisor Vecito Dozo, and President of Western Chakhesang Hoho, Dr. Chisoi Khusoh.
Words of gratitude were expressed by DCC Vice Chairman Shevotso Nakro, and the benediction was delivered by Pastor Neikhole Wetsah of Calvary Baptist Church, Dimapur.
The celebration also featured traditional games and concluded with a communal feast.
