Tsokum, the most significant festival of the Khiamniungan tribe was celebrated on 5 October 2022 at Noklak with the theme ‘Tradition: The art of Culture’.

Tsokum is an eight-long pre-harvest festival celebrated around the first week of October.  During the festival, rituals and ceremonies are performed for a bountiful harvest, thriving livestock and the wellbeing and protection of the human beings. Sacrificing livestock is an integral part of the festival. Fattened and cared for domestic animals are sacrificed by the host of the community feast.

Harvest and house-building activities begin only after the Tsokum festival.

Speaking at the occasion, special guest Er L Leyang, emphasized on living a lifestyle deeply rooted in traditions, practised by the forefathers.

To carry on one’s identity, one should inherit the moral qualities which have always been there and walk the talk, he stated.

Special guest Er L Leyang speaking at the Tsokum festival celebration in Noklak/NT photos