Humtso villagers clear harvest paths in traditional workday

Kohima: Humtso villagers mobilized on Wednesday to clear the overgrown pathways leading to their cultivated fields. The annual workday ensures farmers reach their crops easily as the busy harvest season nears. Almost every household in the village sent representatives to help.

Residents arrived armed with machetes, spades, and various traditional tools to hack through the thick brush. The physical labor serves a practical purpose, but the community sees it as a vital link to their heritage. Village leaders announced the event ahead of time, relying on the long-standing tradition of collective responsibility.

Traditional war cries rang out across the fields throughout the day. The shouts fueled the workers and honored the customs handed down by their forefathers. Participants recognize the effort as more than simple maintenance. One villager noted the value of the event, stating that the people of Humtso continue to preserve this tradition, "recognising it not only as a practical necessity but also as a way of keeping alive the values of unity, cooperation and community that define the village’s heritage."

The group finished the work by sharing a potluck meal. Neighbors traded home-cooked food to build friendships and celebrate their joint success. Even as the modern world changes, Humtso keeps its old ways.