Tokhü Emong is a harvest festival celebrated by the Lotha Nagas in the Indian state of Nagaland.
[1] Tokhü Emong is celebrated in the first week of November every year[2] and it lasts for nine days.
[3] It is celebrated through sharing of food, gifts, folklore narration and a community feast.
In case of mere acquaintances or platonic ones, only 6 pieces of meat are exchanged.
He accompanied by aides (Yinga) along with baskets goes round the village collecting un husked rice from every home when offering is made.
Young boys and girls engaged during the year are happily married after Tokhü.
One feels as if the stones have been given tongue to say ‘Oh farmers, tender your fields with love and care’.
The priest takes a small quantity of the contribution and put it into his basket after offering his prayers.
Later, with the help of a bamboo spear, a perforation is made in the pig's heart, then the abdomen is sliced open to interpret the prophecy.
Any family who lost any member is expected to stay in the village until the last rituals are performed.
and the exchange of gifts After the festival, marriages are arranged for the young couples, who were engaged during the year.
Tokhü Emong is an annual festival that begins on 7 November and continues for nine days.
Since 2022, the Nagaland Forest Department in collaboration with others organises the Tokhü Emong Bird Count aimed at promoting the state's biodiversity and encourage community conservation efforts.