The three day Tokhü Emong 2025 celebration culminated on Friday afternoon at the Public Ground, Wokha, with Relo Aye, Superintendent of Police, Wokha, gracing the closing ceremony as the Special Guest.
Extending warm Tokhü Emong greetings to the gathering, Aye expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration and reflected on the state of development in Nagaland. He expressed hope that a positive and lasting solution would emerge for the State, emphasising the need for both the public and authorities to work together with sincerity and a positive attitude.
He observed that despite over six decades of statehood, Nagaland continues to face developmental challenges and urged the need to revive the strong work culture inherited from the forefathers.
“We must revive our culture of hard work; otherwise, festivals like Tokhü Emong will slowly lose their identity,” he stated. Concluding his address, Aye called upon all to celebrate the festival in the true spirit of peace, unity and renewed commitment towards progress.
The programme was chaired by N Elis Jungio, Vice Chairman, Lotha Hoho, while the invocation was pronounced by Zubenthung Ngullie, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Wokha. In his welcome address, the Chairperson conveyed gratitude to all individuals and organisations who contributed towards the successful celebration of the festival.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Thechamo Tsanglao, Finance Secretary, Lotha Hoho, and Convener, Tokhü Emong 2025, who extended appreciation to all participants, well-wishers and partners for their support in making the event a success.
Mero urges people to respect all forms of work
Earlier in the day, MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero graced the Tokhu Emong celebrations at the public ground.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mero highlighted the similarities between Tokhü Emong and the Chakesang festival, both rooted in community bonding and thanksgiving. He remarked that the Lotha community is blessed with fertile land and abundant agricultural and horticultural produce which continue to sustain the local economy.
Speaking on the blessings bestowed upon the Lotha community, he cited the Doyang Hydro Project that generates 75 MW of power and the annual roosting of Amur Falcons—both of which, he said, hold vast economic and tourism potential. He also pointed out the presence of untapped oil reserves in the district, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly contribute to regional development.
Dr Mero commended the Lotha community for their achievements in competitive examinations and for producing capable officers and professionals. Describing the Lothas as hardworking and disciplined, he urged others to emulate these qualities.
Emphasising the importance of dignity of labour, he called upon the people to respect all forms of work and nurture good habits.
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Touching on leadership, he reminded that good leaders uplift communities while irresponsible leadership can weigh down society. He encouraged citizens to be “rays of sunshine” within their own spheres and to draw inspiration from their forebears who stood strong against external domination.
Concluding his address, the Special Guest expressed hope that the celebration of Tokhü Emong would continue to inspire good leadership, harmony, and longevity among the people.
Delivering Tokhü greetings, ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, reflected on the changing times and cautioned that in the pursuit of modern life, communities risk losing touch with their cultural identity. He noted that Tokhü Emong, once celebrated with greater unity and vigour, has gradually lost some of its traditional essence.
He urged the gathering not to forget their roots while adapting to modernity and to uphold the core values of the festival—unity, reconciliation, and friendship—fostering love, respect, and harmony within society.
As part of the celebration, the finals of the Tug of War competition were held, where Midland Colony emerged as champions for the second consecutive year. GHS Colony secured second place, while Zuvotong Colony finished third.
Bhandari:
A post- harvest festival celebration, Tokhu Emong was organised on November 7 by the Tokhu Lhinsung okho , Lotha Hoho Bhandari Town at Local ground Bhandari Town under the theme “variance through linkage to the old and the contemporary ” with managing Director & CEO Nagaland State Agricultural Produce & Livestock Marketing Board (NSAPLMB) 4th mile, Chumoukedima, Jacob Yanthan, gracing the occasion as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, Yanthan extended his warm Tokhu Emong greetings to all. He further emphasized the importance of preserving Lotha tradition, culture and language. He urged the people to value ones traditional attires, ornaments and cultural identity.
He also called on the individuals to take responsibility for fostering a society that promotes the well being of all and to play a vital role in ensuring continued prosperity and unity.
Earlier, in the programme the invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev, Longshi Mozhui, Sr. Pastor BTBE and welcome address was delivered by Tachow Lotha, Chairman BTLH & Tokhu Chairman. The significance of Tokhu was shared by Hathungo Kithan.
The formal programme was followed by a number of sporting events such as women’s football, volleyball and men’s football wherein 11 colonies participated in the Tokhu Emong tournament 2025.
