A big celebration of festivals took place among the Tikhirs in Kiphire on 11 October. Tsonglaknyi cum Mini Hornbill festival was celebrated in Kiusam Town, hosted by the Tikhir Tribal Council.
This is the first Mini Hornbill festival held by the Tikhirs since being officially recognised as a separate Naga tribe by the Government of Nagaland on 20 January 2022.
“It’s a day of joy for the people of my community, as we host the first Mini Hornbill festival since our tribe recognition and we look forward for better days ahead,” AP Tsupan Tikhir, a delegate at the event, told Nagaland Tribune.
The message of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was delivered by L Khumo, Advisor Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Evaluation, Economics & Statistics, who was the special guest of the event.
In his message, the chief minister encouraged the Tikhirs to continue preserving their very rich culture and traditions.
“In a fast globalized materialistic world, it is easy for us to forget our culture and traditions. This would amount to losing one’s identity as well as one’s roots,” stated the chief minister’s message.
Rio further stated that while inaugurating the new district of Shamator, the Government had given the tag ‘Brotherhood District’ to the district and urged the people to lead the way to promote brotherhood and peaceful co-existence amongst all sections of society.
The chief minister congratulated the Tikhirs on being recognized as a separate Naga tribe and added that while the recognition was very significant, it was only the beginning – people must strive to excel in every way in the days to come.
He stated that the government was doing its best to uplift the socio-economic conditions of every Naga in every sphere such as health, education, entrepreneurship development, child/women welfare, among others. He further appealed to the Tikhir people to be proactive and strive for economic development through positive people participation and by availing the assistance given by the government.
The chief minister urged everyone to use this festive occasion to purify, humble themselves before God and work towards reconciliation, retrospections and renew the spirit of peace and prosperity.
Special guest Khumo in his address assured the Tikhirs that the government was well aware of the needs of the Tikhir community, being the youngest of all tribes under Nagaland. “The leadership of CM Rio and the government of Nagaland is committed to the aspiration of Tikhir Nagas and therefore every neighbouring tribes and Naga brothers should join hands in uplifting one another in every capacity,” he said.
Advisor L Khumo speaking during Tsonglaknyi cum Mini Hornbill festival on 11 October. NT photos.
The advisor also stressed on the need to revive and improve education – the backbone of any community – through the collective efforts of the government and the public. This would enhance the Tikhirs and Nagas to go ahead in life and in building a better tomorrow, he said.
Khumo appreciated the Tikhir Council for organising the big event of Tsonklaknyi festival and thanked the Tikhir leaders for their sacrifices and dedication in bringing the festival into a successful reality.
Tsonglaknyi, a festival of sanctification, is observed from 9 to 12 October every year. The word Tsonglaknyi is made up of two words: ‘Tsong’ meaning shield and ‘lak’ meaning sanctification. Thus, Tsonglaknyi is a festival of the sanctification of the shield. It also means sanctification of the weapons along with their wealth and valuable assets, and the purification of menfolk before they went for headhunting (in the former days). The festival is one of the most important among the Tikhir festivals.
Display of ancient Tsonglaknyi practice by Tikhir elders. NT photos.
The celebrations on 11 October included a colourful and vibrant cultural display, from war dances to ancient Tsonglankyi practices displayed by the Tikhir elders. The Mini Hornbill continued on to 12 October with more cultural displays followed by a community feast.
During the celebrations on Tuesday, T L Kiusumong, GS, TGOA and a member of the organising team told Nagaland Tribune that the Tsonglaknyi and Mini Hornbill festival in Kiusam Town was a red-letter day for his people. He conveyed his appreciation to all the various NGOs and leaders from the different eastern tribes who had attended and supported the cause of his people.
“It’s time we learn to live together as brothers, love our neighbours, [hold] hands in peace and brotherhood and forget the differences of our past for a better future,” he said.
