Cultural display at Kisama
The second day of the ongoing ten-day Hornbill Festival was marked by the traditional music, folkdances and indigenous games Friday at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
The rich and diverse culture and traditions of the Naga people was showcased through folkdances, folksongs, Naga cuisine, Naga handicrafts and other traditional activities.
The visitors were enthralled with cultural performances by Angami Cultural Troupe (Jakhama Village)- Melo Phita (folk dance); Ao Cultural Troupe- Benjongbentsü Yar (Festive Dance); Chakhesang Cultural Troupe- Roce (folk dance); Zeliang Kohima Base- Nagaland Deu Lim; Sumi Cultural Troupe (Surumi Cultural Society, Kohima)- Sumi war dance; Pochury Cultural Troupe- War dance (Folk Dance); Lotha (Kohima Base)- Naga Liphongtsu Shancho Khen (song & dance) and Rengma (Kohima Base)- Kaghaka men Keya (traditional marriage song) during the morning function. In the afternoon session, cultural dances were performed by various cultural troupes – Lotha Cultural Troupe performed Ritso Shari, a war dance while the Rengma Cultural Troupe presented a folk song, Akhu Kedelie. Kuki Cultural Troupe performed Lorn Lam, a folk dance; Garo Cultural Troupe presented Wangala Dance and the Zeliang Cultural Troupe performed Herielim, a Hornbill dance.
Kachari Cultural Troupe presented Kram Jang Mai Duba, a folk dance; the Angami troupe Dizhü pfhe, a “working in the field” song and the Chakhesang troupe presented Cirüphe and Thünyephe, Feast of Merit festival dance.
‘Film Fiesta, Open Air Cinema’ begins
A three-day “Film Fiesta, Open Air Cinema” was launched by advisor to the chief minister, Abu Metha at The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The Film Fiesta, organised by the Department of Information & Public Relations, would be screening films from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Main Arena till December 4.
In his speech, Metha said Hornbill Festival was a platform to highlight the innovation, creativity, and vibrancy of Naga youth and that the festival highlights “Brand Nagaland and Naga soft power” not just to the nation but also to the global community. Metha said the festival sends out a strong message that Nagas are one people and that they have the ambition to contribute towards the nation-building process and add to the rich diversity of the nation. Joint Director, IPR, Asangla Imsong said that specially curated short films would be screened during the three-day event. Imsong said the Film Fiesta would provide an opportunity for the State’s filmmakers to get their films in front of live audiences, which was not very common in the state. A film titled “Ground Zero” was screened.
‘Cultural Mosaic’ at NSF Solidarity Park
To revive and promote the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas, Tribal Affairs department organised “Cultural Mosaic” at Naga Students Federation (NSF) Solidarity Park, as part of the Hornbill Festival. Special guest of the event, secretary, tribal affairs department, Nchumbemo Lotha stressed on the need to preserve the rich heritage and culture of the Nagas and encouraged the people to give more importance to preserving and promoting their rich culture and traditions. He said traditions should not only be limited to festivals but that people should practice the good values and cultures within their own community and also encourage it through cultural exchanges within the tribes and villages. Earlier, the special guest also lighted the bonfire which was followed by signing of the national anthem. Cultural troupes of Ao, Chakesang, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Angami, Lotha, Zeliang, Kuki tribes performed at the event.
Mmhonlumo addresses WW II Peace Rally
Eleven squads including one squad from Thailand participated in the WW II peace rally, which was flagged off from Indra Gandhi Stadium, Kohima culminated at Heritage Village Kisama. The rally concluded with the prize distribution ceremony at WW II Museum Complex, Heritage Village, Kisama with Advisor IT&C, NRE, Science & Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon as the special guest.
In his address, Kikon said the story of World War II was incomplete without the story of battle of Kohima. He said Kohima played a vital role all throughout the battle and therefore deserves a mention every time there was a discussion about the great war which shook the whole world.
While acknowledging the participation and sacrifices made by Nagas during the war, he said their contributions changed the course of the war in favour of the Allied Forces.
He also gave out awards to the winners. Car No 04 belonging to Mhajamo Kithan, Sentilong Lemtur, Izirudy, Ongba Angto and Heboka V. Assumi was adjudged as the “Most Original Vehicle” and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The rest of the awards carried a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each – Car No 01 R.T. Chang belonging to Kuza and Vitoshe won the “Best Maintained Vehicle”, Car No 08 belonging to Ringso Shishak, Lanu Jamir, Saren and Yabang won the “Best Weaponry”, Car No 10 belonging to Yanbemo and Zujanbemo won “Best Uniformed Squad”, Car No 09 belonging to Vikesa Keditsu and Kuotseituo Keditsu was awarded the “Best Disciplined Squad” and Car no 03 belonging to Asa Khazo and Moalong Jamir, was the “Best Tourism Promotion Squad”.
Seven compete for Naga Chef season-9 title
Naga Chef competition commenced Friday with seven contestants competing for the coveted title of Naga Chef- season 9 and cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh. The competition would commence every day at 10 a.m. onwards.
The participants will be judged in the following rounds – cooking skills, childhood memories, innovation round, just desserts, and my Naga Thali which will be followed by grand finale. The judges of the Naga Chef season 9 are: Chef Joel Basumatari, Rovi Chase, and Alemjungla Jamir and the guest judge will be Chef Gary Mehigan, Author and Restaurateur, one of the original judges of MasterChef Australia. The grand finale would be held on December 9. The event is being managed by Synergy Group Enterprise and sponsored by the department of Tourism, government of Nagaland.