Yimkhiungs celebrate Metümnyo festival

Yimkhiung community celebrated the Metümnyo Festival on August 8 at Public Ground, Shamator Town with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamator, Chingyak Konyak as the special guest.

According to a DIPR report, the special guest said festivals are integral to Naga identity, and underscored the Nagaland government’s efforts to promote indigenous festivals.

The festival’s significance was highlighted by S.C Akhang, Head GB Shamator, who explained that the festival marks the first harvest of the millet crop and holds cultural and spiritual importance.In their speeches, Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) president, Throngso and Yimkhiung Youth Organization (YYO) president, Apong Janger emphasised the festival’s role in fostering unity and amity.

The celebration included cultural dances by Mongtsumong Cultural Troupe and Lunkheberu Cultural Troupe. The event was hosted by Beri Janger and T. Hantsula while STBC Pastor Rev. Thsankiu invoked the presence of God.Pungro Town: Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Pungro-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) celebrated Metümnyo festival on August 8 at Pungro Town.

A press release by Yimkhiung Youth Organization (YYO) stated that during the celebration, YTC former president, Thsesong shared the significance of the Metumnyo festival while EAC Pungro, Yitachu Thurr delivered Metümnyo greetings.

YYO said Metümnyo is a solemn festival celebrated by the Yimkhiung Naga tribe in Nagaland.It said the festival was an old ritual, tradition and celebration of life and death; blending its kinds of religious and seasonal significance.

YYO said traditionally, the festive days were spread from August 4 to 8 August every year, and the main feast was celebrated on August 8.