The 50th Inter-Ward Christmas Cake Race 2023, organized by the Mokokchung Municipal Council, took place on December 23 at Town Square, Mokokchung, with Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as the Guest of Honour.
Eleven participants from each of the 18 wards took part in the relay race. Alongside the cake race, there was a fancy dress competition among the 18 wards on the theme “Visit of the Magi,” with 16 wards participating.
In his address, Guest of Honour Sharingain Longkumer emphasized the importance of building and strengthening towards a better Mokokchung. He encouraged everyone to prepare themselves to contribute to the socio-economic development of the town collectively.
He further focused on reinventing and transforming mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Longkumer urged the younger generation not to let the wisdom of the founding members and elders go to waste but to learn from them.
Acknowledging the global transition period, Longkumer emphasized the need to prepare for opportunities to contribute to the progress of Mokokchung Town. He highlighted the significance of the Inter-Ward Christmas Cake Race as a collective celebration of Christmas.
The race was flagged off by Guest of Honour Sharingain Longkumer, and the release of the Souvenir. The 50th Christmas Cake Race was won by Dilong Ward, with Lijaba Lijen Ward securing the second position and Arkong Ward bagging the third.
In the Fancy Dress Competition on the theme “Visit of the Magi,” Kichutip Ward won the first place, Kumlong Ward secured the second, and Alempang Ward secured the third.
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The event also included an award ceremony for the Best Maintenance Ward, with Salangtem winning first place, Alempang second, and Aongza third. Alempang Ward received the Most Improved and Promising Ward award.
The event recognized the oldest man, Akumkaba, aged 100, from Mongsenyimti Village of Lijaba Lijen, and the oldest woman, Pangertula Lemtur, aged 102, from Longpa Village of Dilong Ward.
The event is being organized by the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) in collaboration with the Seasonal Club Mokokchung. Mention may be made that the Seasonal Club Mokokchung organized the first Inter-Ward Christmas Cake Race in 1971, with the club being formed in 1968 with the aim of bringing people together during the two important seasons of the year—Summer and Winter breaks.
The MMC continues to organize this annual competition, where both men and women from all 18 wards under the municipality compete in the Christmas Cake Race. The race starts from the town square and stretches along the heart of the town’s main roads, culminating at the starting point. It is noteworthy that the event is a plastic-free initiative, with single-use plastics not being utilised.
Deputy Commissioner Thsuvisie Phoji and AWUMT President Limanungsang delivered short speeches. Reminiscences from the President of Seasonal Club Mokokchung were also presented.
M Supong Longkumer, senior citizen of Mokokchung Town and member of Seasonal Club Mokokchung marshalled the 50th Mokokchung Town Inter Ward Christmas Cake Race riding on his legendary HONDA CB750 superbike accompanied by his Grandson.
The event was hosted by Dr. Limasenla Jamir and Lanuakum, invocation by Rev. Ponen Longchar and a musical piece from Arenlong. ADC & Administrator Chumlamo Humtsoe delivered the vote of thanks.
