Meeting Chakhesang Nagas in Jessami Village in Ukhrul, Manipur

Last week, I had an opportunity to attend the Tekru-Nge Celebration in Jessami. The festival celebrated under the theme "Walking through the diversity and richness of Jessami" from January 19- 21.
Jessami is a village in Ukhrul district, Manipur, India. Jessami is a border village in the extreme north of Manipur State and borders with Meluri, a border village of Nagaland State. Being nearer to Nagaland, the town used to get electricity from Nagaland until the government of Manipur installed a 33 KV Sub-Power station in 2011 to supply power from Manipur.

The inhabitants of Jessami are Chakesang. As it is in the border of Manipur and Nagaland, various languages including Chakesang, Tangkhul, Manipuri and Nagamese are commonplace.

The first battle with the Japanese in Indian soil was fought in Jessami. On 28 March 1944, first battalion of the Assam Regiment fought a fierce battle with the Japanese 31 Division. The battle led to strengthening of defenses at Kohima, which played a role in turning the tide of the Second World War in favour of the Allied Force.

Jessami Village has four khels and during this festival the villagers play cultural dances and folk songs by khel wise. All the villagers both male and female wear traditional attire.
Tekru-Nge festival.