Imphal, January 05: Tungjoy glory day popularly known as "the veymy teithe" in Poumai dialect was celebrated for two complete, days at Tungjoy Khunjao, about 135 km north of Imphal and the pioneer village of Pourriai tribes located along the Manipur-Nagaland border from January 4 to 5 with pomp and gaiety in their traditional way.

This glory day is a festival of festivals of the year among the Poumai tribes residing in Tungjoy area.

It was celebrated systematically since the early seventies though it was celebrated widely from early sixties to regain and reactivate unity and love among the people in praise and glorification of the supreme deity of Poumai ancestors.

"This festival of festival basically aims to'rebuilt the relationship and love among the people after Christianity which came in our lives" says a Poumai elder.

The main motto of this year happens to be 'goodness of all' or 'Avei Atro' in local tongue.

With the rendition of the 'Poulou', a traditional welcome song, the Veymy Teithe organizing committee in their traditional costumes welcomed the Chief Guest and President of the inaugural function at the entrance of the village.

Luckily Tungjoy this time have Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Information minister and the only lady lagislator in the 60 member house Wahengbam Leima as their Chief Guest and President.

Similarly Chief Minister Ibobi considering the grievances of the villagers also echoed that he would not forget the 'warm welcome' rendered by the Poumais in his lifetime and assured all possible help from time to time.

Interstingly Chief Minister is accompanied by his wife Randhoni, a galaxy of ministers during the glory day of Tungjoy.

Beautifully synchronized folk dances of various Leikais of Tungjoy, 'ai-ouw', a cultural demonstration of carrying paddy to village, a sequence of 'gaison' , a guitar type indigenous musical instrument of the Poumais and ceremonial rides of the Chief Guest and President mark the inaugural day of the festival one of the most interesting and sensational cultural activity of the festival was the "Bei-phya", a head hunting sports of the community which was displayed by males numbering around four dozen representing two different groups .

In glory day all the men and women come to worship and adore the god, creator of all who gave a good habitation to live in prosperity with abundant food & drinks, courage and health to venture.

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