Indigenous games conclude second day of Tokhu Emong in Wokha

The second day of the indigenous games competition that forms part of the Tokhu Emong festival was held on November 5 at the Public Ground in Wokha. Deputy Commissioner K. Mhathung Tsanglao attended as the special guest and formally opened the events, according to the Nagaland Post.

Indigenous games competition

Team Metamorphosis organised a series of traditional and indigenous sporting events. In the high-jump contest, Aben Ezung secured first place while Asemo Murry finished as runner-up. The wooden-top spinning competition saw Orenlow Humtsoe claim the top spot, followed by Chumben Humtsoe. Zanbeni Kithan won the Lotha Naga-style winnowing contest, and the Naga karting event was won jointly by Rabemo Ngullie and Asemo Murry. The schedule notes that the tug-of-war finals will be held on November 7, the concluding day of the festival.

Deputy Commissioner’s address

During the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Tsanglao spoke about the need for a broad-minded outlook for societal progress. He quoted the saying, “an empty mind is the workshop of the devil,” and described three mindsets he observes among people: those focused solely on personal growth, those limited to village or immediate surroundings, and a third group that thinks beyond narrow boundaries to work for the welfare of society as a whole. He urged the audience to cultivate the third mindset, arguing that a broader outlook would create a better future for coming generations.

Tsanglao also challenged the notion that a government job is the sole measure of success. He called for greater initiative, entrepreneurship and willingness to explore opportunities beyond salaried employment. Emphasising the dignity of labour, he said no work should be considered embarrassing and encouraged people to remain energetic, resourceful and open to different avenues of livelihood. After delivering his remarks, he formally declared the indigenous games competition open.

Upcoming cultural day

The festival’s cultural day is scheduled for November 6. Secretary to the Government of Nagaland Wonchio Odyuo will be the special guest for that programme, the report added. The cultural day will feature folk-song and folk-dance competitions aimed at showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Lotha community. Students of Perennial School, Wokha, previously presented a folk song during the games, highlighting the involvement of local youth in preserving traditional art forms.

The Tokhu Emong festival thus combines sporting contests with cultural performances, reflecting the community’s effort to preserve indigenous traditions while encouraging a forward-looking mindset among participants and spectators alike.