‘Thekranyi’, a youth festival celebrated in Khonoma, Nagaland

KOHIMA: Residents of Nagaland’s famous green village – Khonoma village on Saturday celebrated ‘Thekranyi Festival’, a festival for the youth. With the theme ‘Brilliant in the 21st Century’, the fair was held at the Community Hall, Terhotsiese Khonoma, about 20 km from Kohima town.

The celebration was organized by Adviser to the Chief Minister Abu Metha and hosted by the first woman minister of the state, Salhoutuonuo Kruse.
Kruse, who holds the portfolio for horticulture and women’s resources, said the festival is a gathering for the youth to feast and celebrate the occasion. Forming themselves into peer groups, the youth earn through agricultural labor for the previous year to celebrate the festival. As part of the festival, the youths then visit their foster parents’ homes for a feast.
He said that this festival also marks the start of paddy cultivation for farmers.

The chief guest of the occasion, Abu Metha, assured the locals that the ‘Thekranyi’ festival would become an official part of the state calendar. He said that Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as it promotes the culture and heritage of Nagas. She observed that this further helps in the preservation of culture and traditions for future generations.
Metha observed that Khonoma village has given its best sons and daughters to the Naga people in all walks of life. This includes their support in the desire of the Nagas to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in a dignified manner.

He paid tribute to the legendary figures and leaders of the village who have sacrificed for the Nagas.
Metha said that the government’s aim is development and progress in a comprehensive manner. He urged all the residents to cooperate and work for the development of the state as members of Team Nagaland.
He advised the youth to equip themselves with quality education and use of technology to empower themselves to overcome the challenges of the new era and move towards excellence.

For green villages, he suggested setting up the Khonoma Green Fund to improve the economy while conserving biodiversity. Apart from its rich history and eco-friendly destination, he advised the village residents to explore more horticultural activities.