PHOM-MONYU
1ST & 2ND APRIL (TUENSANG)
The
phom tribe have four major festivals each having unique significance.
However, of all the festivals, Monyu is the most popular and biggest
festival, which falls in the month of April soon after the sowing
season, and spreads over six days. It also marks the end of winter
and the beginning of spring. A few days prior to the festival
the green signal of the dawn of the festival is made by beating
the log drum with a distinct tune synchronized purposely for the
event, known as Lan Nyangshem. The village elders perform a ritual
and predict what the forth coming festival would be. In case the
prediction shows a sign of danger, the villagers are warned to
be careful during the festival. Monyu also signifies bidding farewell
to the on going year and heralds the dawn of the new year. It
is also the time of prayers and dedication for the sprouting crops
that are already sowed. The main feature of Monyu is the occasion
when the male members of the family show love and renewal of affectionate
feeling towards their married daughters and sisters by presenting
them the purest rice beer and specially prepared food. Planning
and decision relating to community welfare to be implemented thoughout
the year are also decided during the festival.
The
first day of Monyu is the day for over all preparation, besides
preparing of domestic chores every household go to collect wrapping
leaves and bamboo. On the second day brewing of all kinds of rice
beer is done. The third day is meant for the varying age-groups,
from oldest down to the youngest the age group, to gather and
feast amidst dancing, merry-making, singing folk songs etc. The
fourth and the fifth day is meant for general festivity and also
the arrival of guests from the neighboring villages. On the last
day of Monyu the elderly people feast by exchanging a jug of the
purest rice beer and meat. The most common game played during
the last day is 'Swing' made out of wild rope. The whole process
is carried out in a ritualistic manner.
The Tourism Department of Nagaland will be co-sponsoring the coming
Monyu festival at Pongo village along with the Pongo village council.
Pongo village is 36 kms away from the National Highway 61, from
Changtongya via Longleng.
The nearest Airport is Jorhat and Dibrugarh in Assam. Tourists
can enter this region via Amguri-Changtongya and Mokokchung-Changtongya.
