Mokokchung: Longsa Village keeps 'Ak Sü' tradition alive

Описание: #mokokchung #Longsa #Nagaland

The Longsa Village Council organised Chuba Ak Sü, a customary village practice, in honour of Metsübo Jamir, Minister of RD & SIRD, Nagaland, on January 7, 2026, at Longsa Village.

Elders noted that Longsa remains among the villages in Nagaland that continue to actively observe and transmit customary practices such as Chuba Ak Sü, even as many traditional institutions face decline amid changing social and demographic patterns.

They explained that Ak Sü encompasses various customary observances, including those associated with peace and reconciliation among different Naga villages, as well as Chuba Ak Sü, which is traditionally organised to receive and felicitate leaders such as Dobashis, ministers, and senior officials. The practice is intended to strengthen connections and relationships between the community and its leaders and involves an exchange of mutual blessings.

As part of the Chuba Ak Sü observance, villagers and elders rendered traditional songs recounting the ancestral lineage of the leader and the history of the community.

The program also included customary visits to the residences of senior elders, where participants sat at the elders’ place and rendered a few traditional songs, a process locally known as 'Kimak'. During this ritual, those participating were offered 'Shito', in keeping with customary practice.

This was followed by a feast and Angkup at the community hall. Jamir, while addressing the gathering, called for unity and strengthening love for the village. He expressed concern that many villagers no longer reside in the village, stating that it was a matter of concern. He further said that although development initiatives are being brought to the village, there is often no one to take ownership and responsibility, and urged villagers to take ownership of the village.

He also raised concerns over the census, stating that people are deserting their villages, which he described as a matter of deep concern, and urged villagers to address these issues and reaffirm their love for the village.

The Chuba Ak Sü observance concluded with the customary presentation of half of a skinned pig to the minister, a traditional act signifying the completion of the ritual. (MTNews)