THE 100th night of mourning for His late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, ends on December 28.

The occasion will be marked with the ritual of a Pongipongi Tuku. Traditionally, the Pongipongi Tuku should have been similar to that of the Pongipongi Tapu that was held on September 30, with a massive presentation of food, pigs, and kava plants. The Pongipongi Tapu a Taumafa Kava, a royal kava circle was also held.

A spokesperson from the Palace Office said today that the Pongipongi Tuku tomorrow had been scaled down, and the presentation of food, pigs and kava will not be for King George Tupou V at Pangai Lahi, but it will be for Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho at her residence Matahiva. There will be no Taumafa Kava.

The presentation will still be made by the various Ha'a, the difference being that instead of a massive presentation, the various ha'a will make their presentation as they have done with the Ha'amo.

The ritual of the Pongipongi Tuku will allow the Nima Tapu or the Sacred Hands to return to their villages after staying at the Mapu ...‘a Fuiva residence since the arrival of the body of the king from Auckland, New Zealand on September 13.

Tonga officially ended the one-month of mourning period for the late monarch on October 17, but the royal family will end their mourning for the death of the late king on the completion of 100th night, tonight.