Noklak, February 25, 2026: The people of Pathso Noknyu in Noklak district came together in a vibrant display of tradition, culture, and community spirit to celebrate Chitso Sumai, one of the most significant agricultural festivals of the Khiamniungan tribe. Held at Khaushiu Public Ground, the festival marked the commencement of the new farming season and served as an occasion for thanksgiving, reflection, and renewal.
 |
| MLA & Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan addresses the gathering during the Chitso Sumai celebration at Khaushiu Public Ground, Pathso Noknyu, Noklak, on February 24, 2026. (Image: DIPR Nagaland) |
The celebration was attended by Mhathung Yanthan, MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, who graced the occasion as the special guest. The event was hosted by Benei M. Lamthiu, with community leaders, farmers, elders, youth, and villagers participating in large numbers.
Chitso Sumai occupies a special place in the cultural and agricultural calendar of the Khiamniungan community. Traditionally observed before the start of cultivation activities, the festival is a time for expressing gratitude for the previous year’s harvest and seeking divine blessings for a fruitful and successful agricultural season ahead. The festival also reinforces the community’s deep connection with agriculture, which continues to be the primary source of livelihood for many families in the region.
One of the key highlights of the festival is the traditional exchange of quality seeds among farmers. This age-old practice symbolizes cooperation, mutual support, and the collective aspiration for a productive farming season. By sharing the best seeds available, farmers help ensure stronger crop yields and preserve indigenous agricultural traditions passed down through generations.
Addressing the gathering, Mhathung Yanthan emphasized the spiritual and practical significance of the festival. He described Chitso Sumai as an important occasion to thank God for the blessings received in the previous year and to seek wisdom, protection, and prosperity for the coming agricultural cycle.
The Advisor for Agriculture also highlighted the importance of agriculture in Nagaland’s economy and reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of farmers. He encouraged farmers to embrace innovation and modern agricultural techniques while preserving traditional knowledge that has sustained communities for generations.
Yanthan further urged the youth to view agriculture not merely as a traditional occupation but as a viable and profitable enterprise capable of generating sustainable livelihoods. He noted that with proper planning, technology, and market linkages, agriculture can become a major driver of economic growth and employment in rural areas.
Speaking on the occasion, festival host Benei M. Lamthiu acknowledged the blessings enjoyed by the Khiamniungan people, including fertile land, favorable natural resources, and a hardworking farming community. However, he also expressed concern over the increasing challenges posed by climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and shifting agricultural conditions.
Lamthiu stressed the need for farmers to adapt to changing circumstances by adopting sustainable farming practices and modern cultivation methods. He underscored the importance of balancing traditional wisdom with scientific approaches to ensure food security and long-term agricultural productivity.
He also appealed to relevant government departments and agricultural agencies to strengthen support for farmers through training programmes, technical guidance, improved access to quality seeds, and modern farming equipment. Such interventions, he said, would help farmers cope with emerging challenges and improve agricultural outcomes.
ALSO READ: Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 Celebrated with Grandeur in Sovima
Following the formal programme, the special guest inaugurated a series of exhibition stalls established by various village organisations and local groups. The stalls showcased agricultural products, traditional crafts, local innovations, and community initiatives, highlighting the skills and creativity of the local population.
The festival concluded with colourful cultural performances by the Pathso Nokeng Cultural Troupe and the Pathso Cultural Troupe. Through traditional songs, dances, and performances, the troupes celebrated the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Khiamniungan people, drawing enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
The successful celebration of Chitso Sumai once again demonstrated the enduring importance of agriculture, culture, and community solidarity in the lives of the people of Pathso Noknyu. As farmers prepare for a new cultivation season, the festival served as both a celebration of heritage and a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
