Tsokum, a festival specific to the Khiamniungan tribe, is a festival of dedication and one that seeks blessings for a bountiful harvest. It is a week-long celebration that sometimes lasts for eight days where different forms of rites and rituals are performed.
In the distant past, prayers and sacrifices were made by killing domesticated animals which are offered to the Creator for fertility of crops, bountiful harvest, and to bring peace and prosperity to the community.
Marking the beginning of harvest, Tsokum is celebrated with much gaiety where the community would come together and share food, meat, rice beer alongside cultural performances.
On October 4, the Thang Range Public Organisation began the Tsokum Festival which was held at Buchesouh ground with multitudes of gathering to witness the full- on celebrations that included varieties of festival items.
Boys displaying Cross Bow during the indigenous game. In the ancient time, their forefathers with limited resources made use of cross Bow to ward off their enemies, be it in the form wild animals or neighbouring villages.
Spear Throw: In the past, the Khiamniungans were firmly skilled with Spear Throw and was practiced for self defence and protection.
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Bamboo Stilt Walking . The Khiamniungan people got over their monsoon blues by fashioning bamboo stilts on which they would put one foot on each Plateform attached to the pair of the stilts and effortlessly glid over obstacles feeling like a giant from folks tales. It acted as a means of source of enjoyment without touching the ground.The participants would race against each other to see who handles the stilts best. Young Boys racing on a bamboo Stilt displaying the indigenous games during the Tsokum Festival.
Cock – Fight: For the Khiamniungan people, this signifies fighting against all odds , especially fighting against diseases and epidemic. This fun – filled and entertaining game is played with one leg folded up and thereby hop while trying to push and knock down the opponent. The players would continue to hop and push till the winner remains .
