The inaugural function of the Sükrünye festival celebrated by the Chakhesang tribe was held today at the local ground Phek district headquarters.

According to a DIPR report, the occasion was graced by Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu, MLA and leader of the NPF Legislature Party, as the inaugural guest.

Nienu delivered Sükrünye greetings on behalf of the Government of Nagaland to all the Chakhesang people. He also expressed gratitude to Phek Town Youth Society and Nehru Yuva Kendra Phek for organising the Sükrünye festival in a grand manner.

Sharing on the objective of the festival, he said the Sükrünye festival is to renew the body and soul and make oneself holy by cleansing the body and soul of the village as a whole, and bringing forth blessing and unity amongst all communities of Nagaland.

The NPF leader called upon the people gathered to cleanse their bodies and souls in the Christian spirit, forgive and forget their past deeds, and strengthen the Naga brotherhood.

Sükrünye greetings were delivered by Khosapa Venu, president of Phek Town Public Forum, while the invocation prayer was pronounced Dr Vezhoto Soho, associate pastor of PTBC.

A special song was also presented by Vepasa Venuh and friends during the inaugural function.

The highlights of the celebration today were traditional fire making and the lighting of the Sükrünye Torch, top fight, catapult shooting, bamboo pole race, greased bamboo pole climbing among other games.

All Heads of the Offices in the district headquarters attended the inaugural function of the Sükrünye festival.