DIMAPUR: District Youth Festivals 2026, organised by the respective District Youth Resources & Sports Offices, were held across several districts, providing platforms for young participants to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural expressions.
Chümoukedima: The festival was held on September 12 at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Competitions included Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation. DYRSO Wutsutho highlighted the selection process for the State Level competitions, informing that performances would be video recorded and assessed across all 17 districts, with the best eight selected. Results of the Folk Song and Folk Dance competitions will be declared on September 17. The State Level Festival is scheduled for September 28-30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Vungi Nzanta Cultural Club (VNCC) won both Folk Song and Folk Dance, while Thejatsinuo Sanchu and Yimtisenla won declamation.
Longleng: The festival was held on September 12 at Yingli College. DYRSO Kenongoto Thokhwe welcomed participants, while vice principal Dr. B. Henshet Phom delivered a special speech on the importance of folklore and cultural preservation. Competitions in Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation were judged by B. Bauom Phom, Lenke Aventh, and Dr. Vangngoi Phom. The programme was chaired by Mhasinuo Rio, with a special number presented by Chuthei Phom.
Zunheboto: The festival was held on September 14 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Old Town. DYRSO Anguvito Sumi briefed participants, while invocation was delivered by Ilo K. Achumi. Competitions included Declamation, Folk Song and Folk Dance. In declamation, Nigha (Cornerstone HSS) secured first place, followed by Lino Kiba (Zunheboto Govt. College). In folk song, Zunheboto Govt. College won first, while Cornerstone HSS took second. In folk dance, Cornerstone HSS won first, while Zunheboto Govt. College secured second.
Shamator: Organised by DYRSO Tuensang, the festival was held on September 14 at the Cultural Hall, Shamator. Competitions included Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation. In folk song, Christian High School won first, followed by Shamator College. In folk dance, Government HSS won first, while Christian High School secured second. In declamation, Sunso and Berimong (both from Shamator College) won first and second respectively. The programme concluded with prize distribution, vote of thanks by Imtikumba, and benediction by pastor Wati.
Noklak: The festival was held on September 14 at White Hall, Noklak Village under the theme “Youth, Skill and a Self Reliant Nagaland.” In folk song, GHSS Noklak won first, while GHS Noklak Village took second. In folk dance, GHSS Noklak won first, while Thang Students’ Union (TSU) secured second. In declamation, St. Paul School won first, while GHSS Noklak and TSU shared second. DYRSO Athrong Yimchunger encouraged students to embrace heritage through folk arts and highlighted the spirit of healthy competition.