Tokhu Emong Fest 2007

Delhi

By: Zuchamo Yanthan

Tokhu Emong, a post harvest festival of the Lotha Naga tribe was celebrated with colourful extravaganza at Delhi. It was organized by Kyong Welfare Forum Delhi (KWFD), which is the apex body of the Lotha community residing in and around Delhi. Lotha Naga tribe has an ancient and incredibly rich tradition with colourful dances which reflects the emulation of centuries of cross cultural inputs.

The Venue Shankar Lal Hall, being located at the heart of the University of Delhi, attracted hundreds of people cutting across nationalities and diverse ethnic backgrounds to witness the colourful festival of the Lotha Naga community. The festival began with a thanksgiving prayer to our Almighty by Mrs.Meribeni, followed by a brief introduction of the Lotha tribe by the comperes, Miss. Jasmine Nzanmongi and Mr Pendao. It was followed by a welcome address by the Chaiman of KWFD, Mr.D.Stephen Yanthan.

Mr. Orenthung Patton, ARC of Nagaland House, expressed in evocative words the essence of Tokhu Emong festival. He said, “Tokhu Emong” is a day of joy, thanksgiving, sharing, reconciliation and strengthening relationship.

Professor.O.P.Mishra, Pro-Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, was the Chief Guest on this occasion. He was all praise for the Nagas and the North East people in general. During his speech, he gave a brief introduction about IGNOU as the single largest University in the world, offering 129 programmes with a total strength of over 1.7 millions students. He also said, IGNOU is now offering programmes in 35 countries. He was very much of the opinion that North East Region is being misunderstood and misinterpreted to the outside world as a very disturb and unwelcoming to the outside people. Prof.O.P.Mishra, in his speech said, IGNOU is planning to include the vibrant traditions of North East India in all the programmes offered by IGNOU. This will help the people of our country and abroad to know about the vibrant cultural heritage which is existing in North East India. 

Brig.Jasjit Singh, Deputy Director General, Territorial Army, was the Guest of Honour for this event. He acknowledged the potential of the Nagas, which needs to be tapped for effective utilization. He was of the opinion that given the right platform, Nagas can bring many achievements in our country.

One of the main attractions of the event was the Fashion show which is held as part of the festival. Fashion show has become very popular over the years and here the potential models are being promoted for higher platform like Miss. India Contest and Gladrag Supermodel Contest. Miss.Liyingbeni Odyuo and Mr.Chumjamo Ngully assisted the choreography of the fashion show. The models displayed the rich Lotha Naga costumes which have been gathering national and international attention. The attires of the models were designed by Miss.Liyingbeni, who is a model and a popular fashion designer at Delhi. The fashion show brought the crowd together with laughter and joyful spirit and they kept asking for more.

Another main attraction of Tokhu Emong event was the musical concert which is always a huge crowd puller. It was performed by three bands, Worshon and Friends, Chumjamo, Wonchithung, Mhabemo, Tsuroshan, Chinithung, Philip, Benjamin, and the popular band “Against the Flow”. Here was one occasion when the mellifluous music and songs kept the audience spellbound. Their songs and music brought the entire crowd together with amusement and dancing spirit. The musical band stole the show with their skillful performance.

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