Kohima, Aug. 1: The people of Ao tribe today celebrated pre-harvest festival, Tsungremong, with a cultural programme and a community feast.

Home minister Imkong L. Imchen, who was the chief guest in the programme, greeted the people and sought the blessings of God for a bountiful harvest. The minister also joined the community feast.

Before the festival began, the village declared the sungkum (village gate) closed and free entry or exit was restricted and regulated for people who do not belong to that particular village.

Both old and young wore their traditional colourful costumes, sang songs and performed dances to express their gratitude to the supreme power for a good harvest.

The festival provided an opportunity to the youths and village stalwarts to demonstrate their intellectual skill and physical prowess. A handful of young men held the stage and told amusing stories about their elders. The festival is usually rounded off by a tug-of-war between men and women.

The festival was also celebrated in a grand manner at Mokokchung where chief secretary Lalthara was the chief guest. “This festival is celebrated to pray to the Almighty and seek his blessings for a good harvest and a happy life,” he said.