Happy Sekrenyi Festival to All Angami Tribe
Sekrenyi is the major festival of the Angami. It is a 10 day celebration which signifies purification and sanctification.
Two days prior to the main festival firewood is collected. On the next day animals are hunted in preparation for the meal. Next day the main celebration starts.
The males clean the wells outside the village at night in preparation for the first day, Zukhophe. Only young and pure bachelor boys are allowed to do this work. Next morning, the men go to the well and washed all their bodily parts and then sprinkle the washing water on their clothes and weapons. Then they fetch water from the same well for the women of the household as no one else is allowed to fetch water on that day. On their return from the well, the men each slaughter a chicken.
. People make local rice beer which they offer it to the spirit of the well and pray that the well never dries up continuing to provide pure water to the village.
people collect wild fruit to decorate their houses particlarly the house of a common ancestor. On the third day they cut bamboos which they fry.
The most interesting part of the festival is the thekra hie. The thekra hie is a part of the festival when the young people of the village sit together and sing traditional songs throughout the day. Jugs of rice beer and plates of meat are placed before the participant
The 4th day is important for the young couples. They go to the jungle and collect corks, stones, wood pieces etc. to make necklaces and bracelets and various other ornaments. There is an exchange of gifts between them as well as between closely related friends. If someone wants a favor or a gift then he or she can ask for it from their friends but they must do something for them in return. By doing so, they are considered to be very close friends.
On the 5th day the young people go to their parents houses and make things such as ornaments, spears, dao and other items which they keep for future use.
The 6th, 7th days are holidays. On these days people just stay at home and enjoy with friends and family. although in some villages the you men hunt on the 7th day.
On the 8th day is the most significant part of the festival, the bridge pulling or gate pulling as well as inter village visits
On the last day they cook meat and distribute it amongst the villagers.
