The Yimkhiung Union Kohima (YUK) today celebrated the Metümnyo festival at the Botanical Garden, New Ministers’ Hill, Kohima.
President of YUK, A Akum Yimkhiung, highlighted that Metümnyo — the premier festival of the Yimkhiung community — is observed annually in the second week of August. Highlighting the significance of the festival, he explained that “Metümnyo” consists of three words—‘Me’ meaning ‘spirit or soul’, “Tüm” meaning “to wrap” and “Nyo” meaning “feast”.
He said that the festival honours the departed while giving thanks to God for newborns. To symbolize this, he said six pieces of meat are cut for boys and five for girls, wrapped in banana leaves, and offered in gratitude to the Almighty.
Akum further shared that during the festival, young boys and girls gather socially, often leading to marriage arrangements in days to come. He said the festival is traditionally celebrated after the millet harvest, the occasion features the preparation of millet wine, which is shared among loved ones. Prayers are also offered for the long life and prosperity of the community.
Clarifying the shift from “Metemneo” to “Metümnyo,” Akum noted that the name had been spelled inconsistently in the past, but since 2024, the community has officially adopted the correct spelling, “Metümnyo.”
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A representative of the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that this year’s celebration was historic as the first official observance under the corrected name. He stressed the importance of preserving and presenting the community’s identity with accuracy, especially in the written representation of indigenous names and traditions.
The event showcased the richness of Yimkhiung Naga heritage and values. The celebration was chaired by Kumtsu, Assistant General Secretary of YUK. The festival opened with a prayer of invocation by Rachel, Associate Women Pastor, followed by a welcome address from Topong Vice President of YUK. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kiutan Simon, General Secretary of YUK, followed by a Benediction Mass.
