The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) celebrated Khoupfhünyi, the traditional festival of the Angami people, at Khuochiezie, Kohima, on September 11 with Minister for Women Resources Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, as the special guest.
The essence of Khoupfhünyi is a celebration of blessings, prosperity, sharing and togetherness, associated with women and younger folks. The festival is marked by the exchange of food, communal feasting and special offerings, reflecting the values of generosity, love, care and harmony within the community.
Speaking at the celebration, Kruse appreciated the AWO for bringing the Angami community together and organising Khoupfhünyi at the AWO level for the first time. She endorsed the proposal to include the festival in the government calendar as a restricted holiday, stating that the celebration would promote unity and cooperation among the Angamis.
The Minister said the customs and traditions associated with Khoupfhünyi across different Angami ranges could be brought together to further strengthen unity. Highlighting the significance of women and girls in building peaceful and progressive families and society, she said the festival provides an opportunity to honour and celebrate their contributions.
Kruse also stressed the importance of preserving traditional and cultural values, cautioning that the community’s stories and heritage could disappear if not documented and passed on to future generations. She released the AWO book, Cultural Footprints: Give to Gain, and suggested the inclusion of photographs to better depict cultural practices.
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She further said that with tourism being promoted in the State under Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, preserving and promoting Nagaland’s culture and traditions would be important for strengthening the tourism sector and generating revenue.
President of the Angami Public Organisation (APO), Thejao Vihienuo, thanked the AWO for organising the festival and said APO had identified August 28 as Khoupfhünyi Day. He informed that APO plans to approach the government to have the day incorporated into the official calendar as a restricted holiday.
The programme was chaired by AWO Advisor, Neilhouzono Nagi, while AWO President, Neithono R. Sothu delivered the keynote address. AWO General Secretary Atono Kense spoke on the significance of Khoupfhünyi according to Viswema tradition. Womenfolk from Southern AWO and Western AWO presented a play and traditional song, while AWO Finance Secretary Yievikhono Kitshü presented Angami traditional cuisine and dress. The vote of thanks was delivered by Chakhroma Women Organisation President Dievilhoutuonuo Thakro and benediction by Rev Keduolhoulie Shüya, Pastor of Meriema Baptist Church.
