SENAPATI, Jan 5: A symbolic yet significant observation of Poumai Thounii 2026 was held at the Poumai Naga Union (PNU) Office at 12 noon today, bringing together community leaders from different walks of life to commemorate the festival in a spirit of reverence, unity and collective hope.
The programme was moderated by M. Sapuni, Treasurer of PNU, and began with the opening song “The Land I Love” led by Ngaopuni Rao, Secretary, Social and Culture, PNU. This was followed by an opening prayer offered by D. Dailord Pao, Advisor, PNU. The Union Flag was hoisted by R.B. Pani, President, PNU, invoking blessings in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, thereby formally marking the commencement of the Poumai Thounii observance.
During the sharing session, various leaders reflected on the historical and cultural significance of Poumai Thounii, recalling that the festival has been observed with great reverence from time immemorial by both young and old across Poumai villages. 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, underscoring the Poumai identity as an agrarian society.
Delilah Pao, President of the Poumai Naga Naotumai Me (PNM), in her remarks, called upon the community to grow together in love and solidarity, emphasising forgiveness, acceptance and mutual support as essential values for strengthening the community.
Greeting the gathering, R.B. Pani, President, PNU, urged leaders and citizens alike to celebrate Poumai Thounii with grace, unity and collective pride, and to uphold the rich legacy handed down by the ancestors. He also extended his greetings to all Poumai citizens observing the festival across villages and regions.
Sh. Dany, Speaker, PNU, in his address, reminded the gathering of the grand Poumai Thounii celebration scheduled for next year, during which Poumai people of all ages will come together on a larger platform to celebrate their shared heritage. He encouraged everyone to pray for a successful year ahead and bountiful harvests, while urging leaders to lead exemplary lives worthy of the trust placed in them.
The programme concluded with a closing prayer by Sh. Dany, followed by a special Poumai Thounii lunch shared in a warm atmosphere of fellowship and celebration.
It may be noted that Poumai Thounii is observed annually on January 5 by all Poumai villages and citizens in their respective localities, while a grand collective celebration is held once every five years, reinforcing unity, cultural continuity and the collective identity of the Poumai people.
