The eighth day of the 25th Hornbill Festival 2024 unfolded with an extraordinary celebration of Nagaland’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
The event featured awe-inspiring performances by 18 cultural troupes, each representing the diverse traditions of Nagaland’s tribes, a DIPR report stated.
Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, graced the morning session as the honoured guest. The session was hosted by minister for Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye, and co-hosted by Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor for School Education and SCERT, alongside chairperson Nagaland Bio Resource Mission Awan Konyak and Abu Metha, advisor to the chief minister and chairman of IDAN.
The afternoon session welcomed the additional secretary & financial advisor Ministry of Textiles Rohit Kansal as the honoured guest. Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering, P. Bashangmongba Chang, hosted the session along with advisor NRE, NSDMA Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, and NEPED chairman Subongmeren. Nazneen Banu, IDSE, commander Works Engineer (CWE) Military Engineer Services, Ministry of Defense, was also present.
Cultural highlights included presentation of Atitidoh, a resonant folk song by Pochury cultural troupe, Sumi troupe showcased Thihele, the rice-pounding song celebrating agricultural roots.
Kachari and Sangtam Troupes delivered special commemorative performances.
Yimkhiung: demonstrated a Log Drum pulling, Zeliang: performed Hunginang, a folk song, Kuki: Enthralled with Salu Lap Lam, a traditional folk dance. Chang troupe performed Pnangan Chia, a rhythmic folk dance, Lotha: Reenacted a traditional tiger hunting scene.
Konyak cultural troupe presented a commemorative cultural display, Garo: Sang Badi Dake Na Ade, a melodic folk song, Khiamniungan: Staged Elie Zuihang, a post-war dance signifying victory.
The Rengma troupe performed Anga Kaghaju Khwi, a soothing lullaby, Tikhir: showcased Tanta Nyit, the millet harvesting song, Angami troupe pesented Nuopie Pfhe, a lullaby or cradle song, Ao: depicted a game symbolizing the chase of a hen by a female eagle.
Chakhesang troupe showcased Kro Phekechu, a spirited folk dance and Phom troupe demonstrated Mishi Songola, the traditional fire-making method.
The performances provided a glimpse into the age-old customs, agricultural practices, and artistic expressions of Nagaland, celebrating the unity and diversity of the state’s tribes. The Hornbill Festival continues to stand as a testimony to the cultural wealth and pride of Nagaland, drawing visitors from across the globe.