Khaozaosie Hok-Ah, the festival of Feast and Rest cum 4th edition of Handicraft Festival which was held from January 21-22 at Thonoknyu town concluded with merry making, peace and unity. The festival featured competitions showcasing skills of various handicrafts such as best weaving, bamboo basket making etc. which was a call of encouragement towards the youths to enhance their inborn skill to sustain livelihood.
Khaozaosie Hok-Ah festival was truly a remarkable celebration reflecting community feeling and harmony. Festival host of the day, MLA P Longon graced the 2nd day Khaozaosie Hok Ah festival at Thonoknyu town under Noklak district which was organised by Khiamniungan Tribal Council under the theme ‘Festival of Feast and Rest’.
Longon read out the Khaozaosie Hok-Ah greetings of Dy. Chief Minister TR Zeliang. The message emphasized that Nagaland is a rich cultural heritage, referring to it as the “Land of Festivals” where every month a unique tribal festival is celebrated. It highlighted the distinct significance of each festival, passed down through generations, and stressed that while embracing modernity, staying rooted in culture and tradition is very important. The message urged young people to remain connected to their heritage and actively participate in traditional festivals inorder to keep culture alive.
Addressing the occasion of Khaozaosie Hok-Ah, the message encouraged everyone to celebrate the festival of Feast and Rest in its true spirit and acknowledged the role of Naga festivals in attracting tourism. Highlighting the envisioned “Trans Eastern Highway” project from Mon to Kiphire, the message indicated optimism that such initiative would improve road connectivity areas including Noklak. On the Naga Political issue, the message reaffirmed that it remains a matter of concern for all Nagas, urging everyone to continue supporting the efforts of the negotiating parties.
Zeliang, in his message, congratulated the Khiamniungan Tribal Council and the festival hosts, P. Longon and Benei M. Lamthiu, for their grand preparation and celebration, further, he extended best wishes to everyone for a successful festival.
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MLA Longon stressed on the significance of the Festival emphasizing how it is deeply rooted with cultures and traditions passed down from forefathers marking a year of hardwork by merry making and rest. He also shared on how Khaozaosie Hok-Ah marks as a symbol of forgiving one another. Further, he extended his appreciation towards Yimkhiung Tribal Council for their presence marking their friendship with the Khiamniungans. Longon urged the Khiamniungan community to co-operate with the Khiamniungan Apex body, and to the student community to adopt hardwork inorder to excel in competitive exams rather than depending on backward quota.
Throngso, President, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, in his speech stressed that festival is to do with culture which makes the tribe for it’s unique tradition, adding that festival is a timeto reconcile past disputes. He lauded the Khiamniungan community for upholding culture without carrying it away by westernization. With the ENPO issue coming to completion, Throngso urged the Eastern people as a whole to maintain peace in Eastern area and strive forward for better growth and development. On the matter of land dispute that arose between Khiamniungan and Tikhir tribe prior to the celebration, he lauded the two communities for settling the matter in a matured approach as per the ENPO resolution.
Earlier, the event was chaired by Lushian H and Putsu P, with an opening prayer invoked by Pastor Haimong, Peshu Baptist Church. The welcome note was delivered by Pukho, Convenor Planning, Melody by Mechie, and a Folk fusion presented by Pathso village. Further, gratitude was shared by Talamong, Ex- Chairman KTC and benediction by Pastor Shingnyu Shiu, Thonoknyu Baptist Church.
The formal programme was followed by inspection of handicraft stalls and cultural troupes by the Guest.
