As the misty monsoon winds sweep across the hills of Nagaland, a powerful and sacred celebration begins among the Chang Naga community — Naknyulum, the festival of light over darkness. This remarkable cultural tradition, rooted deeply in ancient history and spirituality, is more than just a festival; it is a profound reminder of the resilience, beliefs, and values of the Chang people. On this auspicious occasion, we extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to our brothers and sisters from the Chang community. May Naknyulum bring happiness, unity, and a renewed reverence for our shared heritage.
Derived from the words “Naknyu” meaning "mother of darkness" and “lum” meaning "festival", Naknyulum commemorates a mythical event when the world was engulfed in absolute darkness for three days and nights. People were stranded — in forests, fields, on journeys, and in their homes. In a desperate attempt to preserve firelight, they burned the horns of animals such as mithuns and buffaloes. Amidst this gloom, a legendary figure named Namo Molo killed a fearsome double-tailed tiger, which instantly brought back daylight. This miraculous victory of light over darkness became the foundational story of Naknyulum, symbolizing divine intervention and human courage.
The celebration unfolds over three ritual-filled days, each immersed in symbolism and meaning. The first day, Wenshi, is a day of preparation. Women prepare traditional biscuits made from sticky rice and millet, and animals are sacrificed for the communal feast. Protective plants like Ngounam are placed around homes to ward off evil. As night falls, families place Wie nuts beneath hot ashes at their doorsteps to foresee omens. The sound and direction of the bursting Wie foretell fortune or misfortune for the year ahead.
The second day, Youjem, is a time for bonding and joy. Traditional games, indigenous instruments like the kongkin (bamboo mouth organ), and the playful competition of biting millet biscuits tied high on poles bring the community together. It is believed that the gods descend during this time to collect offerings like yan (tops) and wie, which are placed outside homes to appease divine visitors.
Nakseng, the third and most spiritually potent day, begins with the rhythmic beating of log drums by young men — a sonic declaration of triumph over darkness. Then comes a moment of divine observation: the chirping of birds determines the fate of the village. A blue-spotted aouminshou bird signifies a year of prosperity; other birds foretell warriors or misfortunes. At dawn, an elder from the Oungh clan releases a chicken at the village gate, signaling the end of Naknyulum and the return to ordinary life.
Yet, the sacredness of the festival extends beyond joy and rituals. Strict customs govern the period: no dancing or singing, no weaving or incomplete crafts, no marriages, no haircuts, and no exchange of raw meat. Even accidental guests are expected to return the following year to prevent misfortune. Every ritual, from animal sacrifices to the observance of omens, is a testament to the deep spiritual consciousness that the Chang community continues to preserve.
Naknyulum is not merely a cultural showcase; it is a spiritual journey that reaffirms the Chang community’s relationship with nature, divinity, and their ancestral past. It is a celebration of faith and discipline, of collective memory and identity. While the modern world rapidly changes, Naknyulum stands steadfast — a beacon of indigenous wisdom that continues to inspire.
On this sacred occasion, let us honor and celebrate the Chang Naga community of Nagaland — their strength, their spirituality, and their timeless traditions. May Naknyulum light up not just homes, but hearts across the land.
