SENAPATI: A symbolic yet significant observation of Poumai Thounii, 2026 was held on Monday at the Poumai Naga Union (PNU) Office, bringing together community leaders from various walks of life to commemorate the festival in a spirit of reverence, unity, and collective hope.
Poumai Thounii, a seed-sowing festival, symbolises the beginning of the agricultural year and embodies the hopes of a bountiful harvest, prosperity, and collective progress of the people, underscoring the Poumai identity as an agrarian society.
The programme commenced with an opening song “The Land I Love”, led by PNU Social & Culture secretary Ngaopuni Rao, followed by an opening prayer by PNU advisor D Dailord Pao.
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The Union Flag was hoisted by PNU president RB Pani invoking blessings in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, thereby formally marking the beginning of the Poumai Thounii observance.
During the sharing session, various leaders reflected on the historical and cultural significance of Poumai Thounii, recalling how, from time immemorial, the festival has been observed with great reverence by both young and old across Poumai Naga villages.
Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNNM) president Delilah Pao, in her remarks, called upon the community to grow together in love and solidarity, emphasising the values of forgiveness, acceptance, and mutual support as essential principles for strengthening the community.
While greeting the congregation, PNU president RB Pani urged all leaders and citizens to celebrate Poumai Thounii with grace, unity, and collective pride, and to uphold the rich legacy handed down by the ancestors. He extended his greetings to all Poumai citizens observing the festival across villages and regions.
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PNU speaker Sh Dany, in his address, reminded the gathering of the grand Poumai Thounii celebration scheduled for next year, where Poumai people—young and old—will come together to celebrate the shared heritage on a larger platform. He encouraged everyone to pray for a successful year ahead, bountiful harvests, and urged leaders to lead exemplary lives worthy of the trust placed in them.
The programme concluded with a closing prayer by the PNU speaker, followed by a special Poumai Thounii feast, shared in a warm atmosphere of fellowship and celebration.
It is pertinent to note that Poumai Thounii is observed annually on January 5 every year by all Poumai villages and citizens in their respective localities, while a grand collective celebration is held once after every five years, reinforcing unity, cultural continuity, and collective identity of the Poumai Naga people.