[1][2] The objective of the festival is to renew and "make holy" by cleansing the "body and the soul" of the village as a whole, and to bring forth unity among all communities of Nagaland.

On the first day, which is known as Kezie, people sprinkle themselves with a few drops of rice water drawn from a pot named Zumho.

They adorn themselves with two new shawls, and then ritualistically sprinkle the holy water on their chests, knees and right arms as a mark of washing away all their sins and ill luck.

During the period of the ten day festivities, field operations are suspended; in local terminology this act is called Penyû.

[2] Following the completion of the festival period, when men of the villages have cleansed themselves and sought blessings, cultivation, house building and marriages may restart for the year.