Nagaland is home to a plethora of tribes and festivals, each of which adds to the diversity and rich cultural heritage of the state. These celebrations act as train of thoughts adjoining communities, thereby marking the strength of unity and impact of solidarity.
Similarly, Tokhu Emong – a post harvest festival, of the Lotha Community stresses on the point of tranquility. Celebrated on November 7 every year, this color-filled festival stretches over to 9 days. After hard toil and efforts, residents settle down to enjoy the festival.
‘Tokhu’ means moving from house to house, collecting tokens and gifts in form of naturals resources and food. However, the meaning of Emong is to put a halt for the appointed time.The dances and the various performances held during the festival represent the happiness and thankfulness of the people. Priest and leaders of the tribe give speeches and cite the importance of the festival that helps in keeping old traditions alive. Students, women, men and even old citizens participate in the festival with full enthusiasm.
The highlight of the festival is the dance performances. Men and women don their traditional attire and perform some old and rare tribal dances. Each dance has a special meaning. While some are performed to thank and please the deities most dances are war dances and the dancers can be seen performing with weapons like spears and sticks. Full of revelry and gaiety, these nine days of the festival are spent singing, dancing and feasting away.
