The Yimkhiung Union Kohima celebrated Metümnyo festival on Thursday at the Wrestling Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima under the theme “Celebrating Cultural Identity”.
Metümnyo festival is one of the most important festivals of the Yimkhiung Nagas. It is celebrated for five days from 4th to 8th August. During the olden days, each Yimkhiung village was independent from one another. All the Yimkhiung villages had their own numerous festivals, however every village agreed to hold common festival on the same day every year named “Metümnyo Festival” after the harvest of millet. The word Metümnyo is made of three words: ‘Me’ means ‘Soul’, ‘tüm’ means ‘wrap’ and ‘nyo’ means ‘festival’.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Village Guard, C.L. John, who was the Chief Guest of the event highlighted that Metümnyo festival is an occasion for re-dedication, family gathering, community gathering and “sharing our best with one another” and hoped that through this festival will bring unity, friendship and understanding among the Nagas.
Advisor for Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Relief and Rehabilitation, S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung, in his greetings, stated that the festival is a very special occasion and urged the youth to understand that these festivals are not only about merry making and feasting. He stated that such occasions are about understanding the good culture and traditions and to forgive one another.
The advisor emphasised on knowing the value of festivals, the value of education and the value of respect and socialising and further stressed on maintaining good relations.
The President of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Kohima (ENPUK), Toshi Chang, the Chairman of Kohima Village Council, Helievio Solo, and State information Commissioner, T. Kekongchim also shared greetings during the event.
The hosts of the program were Advisor S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung and Advisor for Youth Resource and Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung.
The program was blessed with invocation by Wongtokiu, Pastor, Yimchunger Baptist Boru, Kohima (YBBK) and benediction by Rev. Dr. Fr. Obed Yimkhiung, Vice Principal, St. Joseph College (A), Jakhama.
