Tsoukum

Khiamniungan festival

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Tsokum is a post-sowing^[1] or Pre-harvest festival of the Khiamniungans of Noklak district, Nagaland, India, celebrated in the month of September each year in the olden days.This is mainly observed to give thanks to the Almighty Deity for blessing abundant crops and safeguarding lives in the family.^[2]

It is popualry known Tsokum orTsukhum.^[3]Tsoukum^[4] Sümai was the festival of dedication to commence the harvest in the jhum field.^[5] People harvest their crops after thanking God(Kouh-o) for rich crops during Tsoukum Festival. Today, it is celebrated in the first week of October annually.^[6] During this festival, rituals are performed to invoke bountiful harvest from Kouh-o (God).^[7] Community enjoy with sharing of food, meat, rice beer to relatives, friends and guest or even to the stranger who happens to come during the festive occasion and the host of the community feast i.e. the Memeipou (rich men), invite rich and poor alike, signifying love, concern and unity.^[8]

Ampau(Today refers to pastor) the village priest declares or announce the date of commencement of Tsoukum festival. The first day of the fest is SÜMAI-TSIMTHAU(SUMAI JEMTHAO), Preparation of local brew by womenfolk. The second day is called SÜMAI-JANGKUM(SUMAI JANGKOM), which refers to Mithun Searching, dragging and cutting for fest continues that completes on third day. The fourth day i.e.PAIPUI(PAIUPIU), collection and bringing of a ceremonial and rituals tree called ‘Memei Pai’ is done on this day. The fifth day is the most significant of the villagers. The sixth day is called, JANGLAU (JANGLAO), The seventh day is the JANGLAU ONOU. Tsoukum Sümai is concluded on the eighth day which is called EMLIAMLIAM(EMYAMYAM)^[9]