Nagaland: Hornbill Fest day-2 showcases vibrant tribal performances

The second day of the Hornbill Festival 2025 witnessed vibrant cultural performances by various Naga tribes at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Tuesday.
The Cultural Show was hosted by deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang and co-hosted by G. IkutoZhimomi, advisor for Land Resources. Special guests included the Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar, along with other dignitaries.
The performances highlighted the rich diversity of Naga traditional dances and cultural expressions. The Angami troupe presented Phita, a folk dance performed during traditional chants and festive seasons. The Ao troupe showcased Nokinketer, a warrior dance symbolising bravery, strength, and martial spirit. The Chakhesang troupe performed Lika/Thücüikhü, a horn-blowing act reserved for festive occasions, followed by Khridikhuhi, the Mass Curse Day observance held annually on the last day of the second lunar month, reminding villagers to uphold peace, order, and harmony.
The Chang troupe performed Bu SenOneed, while the Garo troupe presented the Wangala Dance, a thanksgiving performance after harvest. The Khiamniungan troupe showcased Jamhang, a song sung indoors during the feast of merit.
Kachari troupe performed BimaThanai, an indigenous game involving two teams—one representing a “mother” and her “children,” and the other acting as “guards.” Konyak troupe presented Shim Shut Boa, sung by women while pounding rice, expressing the hardships faced by women preparing for marriage.
The Kuki troupe performed Jangcha Lam, inspired by the legendary warrior Jangcha, while the Lotha troupe showcased KongtsuKongyaa, a trial testing warriors’ fitness for headhunting.
The Phom troupe performed YapoLouh-Po (Headhunting Expedition – An Act), depicting a raid followed by celebratory chants with log drum beats.
The Pochury troupe presented HapieHapie, a dance preceding the Feast of Merit. The Rengma troupe showcased TufuKethyu, highlighting traditional cotton spinning.
The Sangtam troupe performed ShiruKyuchoKhi, a song of respect and welcome for distinguished guests.
The Sumi troupe presented Imuno Pi Sujo, celebrating brotherhood, love, and unity. The Tikhir troupe performed TsonglakTsin, symbolising the sanctification of shields, spears, and weapons used in war and hunting. The Yimkhiung troupe showcased Hi Chu Khun, depicting the pounding of grains with wooden mortars and pestles.
The Zeliang troupe concluded the show with Matha-Bu Lin, performed during the ChagaGadi festival, calling upon youth to display their vibrant culture to visitors.