PAOMATA, June 11: The much-anticipated Khumai (Tunggam) Apaoshethe 2025, the annual Paddy Transplantation Festival, concluded with grandeur and joy on June 10, after two days of spirited celebrations rooted in culture, tradition, and community.
Organized by the Khumai Youth & Students’ Organization (KYSO) in collaboration with the Aramai Development Council, and graciously hosted by Yemai, the festival was marked by massive participation and vibrant events. This year’s highlight was the Naga Indigenous Wrestling and Apaoshethe Queen Quest, a unique cultural initiative that captured the heart of the gathering.
The festival began on 9 June with the traditional Naga Indigenous Wrestling Night, which continued through the night until dawn of 10 June. The wrestling arena came alive as participants from neighboring villages – Phyamai (Phuba), Veymai (Tungjoy), Hiimai (Purul), Zhaimai (Liyia), and Siimai (Saranamai) – competed in a fierce yet friendly contest.
Shiba Adavei emerged as the Champion, while Jonathan Hrepu and Paul Sii-o were declared First and Second Runners-Up respectively. Kaba Avoihrii, Ashevidu, and Rahavei were honored with consolation awards for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship.
On 10 June, the scenic Barak River Valley paddy fields of Khumai Ashidou witnessed a breathtaking gathering as locals and guests took part in the collective paddy transplantation ritual, marking the official start of the agricultural season.
The centerpiece of the day, however, was the much-anticipated Khumai Apaoshethe Queen Quest. In a lively and engaging search, organizers interviewed guests from various communities, assessing their confidence, cultural connection, and values.
After much anticipation, the title of Khumai (Tunggam) Apaoshethe Queen 2025 was proudly awarded to Miss K. Muvine from Laii Vafiimai, currently pursuing her B.A. in English Department at Don Bosco College, Maram. Miss Muvine aspires to work in the global hospitality industry as a cruise liner professional, aiming to explore her full potential while serving and connecting with people from around the world.
Her grace, ambition, and community values truly embodied the spirit of Apaoshethe, making her a deserving symbol of the festival’s future-forward yet rooted identity.
The event officially concluded with the declaration and awarding of the Khumai (Tunggam) Apaoshethe 2025 Naga Indigenous Wrestling Championship Winners and the Queen of the Year. With hopeful hearts and joyful spirits, villagers and guests alike returned to their homes, carrying with them lasting memories of unity, laughter, cultural pride, and the blessings of a promising farming season ahead.
As the sun set over the lush fields of Khumai, a renewed sense of purpose and celebration echoed across the valley – the land has been tilled, the seeds of culture have been sown, and a new Queen now reigns in the heart of the people.