Yemshe October 5

Yemshe is celebrated by the Pochuri tribe which was formed after the integration of three indigenous tribes – Khuri, Kupo and Kuchu. The Pochuri tribe has always been involved in agriculture, fishing and animal husbandry.

The festival begins in the last week of September and is celebrated until the first week of October. Families begin harvesting together after the festival ends.

It is divided into two parts – one is the Big Yemshe and the other is the Little Yemshe. During the first, families come together and engage with each other, while in the second, they perform individual ceremonies, rituals, purification of their homes and pray for a good harvest.

Traditional folk dances, rituals and customs are performed by the Pochuri Naga tribesmen as a sign of auspiciousness.

According to another tradition, the family of the head of a village holds a gathering where they distribute paddy rice and prepare bamboo cups for the guests. The guests come with frogs and chicken prepared in the evening where everyone sits down and eats.

Some of the prepared food is also offered to the departed souls for their blessings.

The people of the village clean the streets, wells and fields to decorate it like a bride. The elders of the family perform the rituals and the youngsters enjoy it to the fullest. A popular bamboo dance is also performed to attract positive vibes and make the atmosphere fun and positive.

People of Pochuri tribe wear their traditional dress to celebrate Yemshe festival in Kohima. Kaksi Nei (a dress for unmarried boys), Yimchungar (shawl) and kilt (dress) are the traditional dresses worn by the people.

The newly engaged couple exchange gifts and eat delicacies with wine. The whole atmosphere is filled with joy and merriment and thus witnessing this celebration is a memory to cherish forever. Some popular dishes prepared during the festival are fermented bamboo shoots, fermented dried fish, Zutho (rice beer), dried pork and smoked port stew.