The Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival, a vibrant post-harvest celebration of the Lotha Naga community, commenced on Wednesday at the Public Ground in Wokha. The inaugural programme was graced by Achumbemo Kikon MLA, who served as the special guest, alongside SDPDB Chairman Bhandari.
Tokhü Emong, observed annually in the first week of November, marks the end of the agricultural season and is a time of thanksgiving, reconciliation, and renewal of social bonds among families and villages. The festival is traditionally celebrated with feasting, folk songs, dances, and gift exchanges, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and communal harmony of the Lothas.
Addressing the gathering, Achumbemo highlighted the importance of responsibility, critical thinking, and collective action as foundations for community growth and prosperity. He emphasized the historical significance of Tokhü Emong in fostering unity and urged citizens to adopt a mindset focused on social transformation, sanitation, and sustainable development.
The MLA inaugurated the festival’s Tokhü stalls and officially opened the Traditional Competition, which featured events such as traditional weaving and folk song performances. In the weaving demonstration—from cotton processing to cloth making—the N. Longidang Women Cultural Troupe emerged as the winner, with Wokha Town Akuk Women Cultural Troupe and Wokha Village as first and second runners-up.
In the folk song competitions, the men’s category was won by Wokha Town Akuk Cultural Troupe, while the women’s category top prize went to Wokha Town Women Cultural Troupe. In the youth segment, Thithanro Von was declared the winner.
The programme was chaired by Lotha Students’ Union President Lirhonthung Kithan, with a welcome address by the advisor of Lotha Hoho, and featured a special folk song performance by Wokha Town Mekokla Ekhung, adding color and melody to the festive occasion.
