The Sumi community in Nagaland celebrated the annual ‘Ahuna’ festival on Thursday with traditional zeal, marking the post-harvest season with cultural events and community gatherings across the state. The main festivities, organized by the Sumi Hoho, took place at the DSCZ ground in Zunheboto, where attendees gathered to honor their cultural heritage with a blend of traditional and modern elements.
Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, K Tokugha Sukhalu, presided over the event as “Ahuna Papu.” He emphasized the importance of preserving the Sumi community’s rich traditions, urging attendees to honor the values passed down through generations. “Our traditions and cultural practices are a reflection of who we are, and while they may evolve, the core values—honesty, hard work, generosity, courage, and unity—should remain,” he stated. Sukhalu also highlighted that tradition and economic progress can coexist, encouraging the community to embrace growth without losing cultural identity.
Reflecting on societal changes, Sukhalu underscored the growing competition for education and jobs in Nagaland, advising the younger generation to pursue education diligently and avoid shortcuts. He reiterated that the core of festivals like Ahuna and Tuluni lies in celebrating the dignity of agricultural labor and the community’s collective spirit.
