The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival continued to captivate audiences with its vibrant cultural performances on its ninth day at the Naga Heritage village, Kisama. The day celebrated the rich traditions of Nagaland’s tribes through music, dance, and unique demonstrations.
According to DIPR, the morning session was hosted by minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change C.L. John, with Zhaleo Rio, advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, as co-host.
Honored guests included Justice Biswanath Sommader, Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court; Paras Sharma, Director of Global Partnerships at Meta India; and Sh. Rajesh Nambair, Executive Director & State Head of Indian Oil AOD, Guwahati.
Highlights of the cultural programme included Ngada dance by Rengma cultural troupe, Naknyu Lüm (Festival) by Chang cultural troupe, Montsai (soul catcher drama) by Lothas, Hornbill dance by Aos. Phom troupe presented bamboo gun display (Hongponglo), Aye Küzüle (weaving song demonstration) by the Sümis.
In the afternoon, deputy Speaker S. Toiho Yeptho hosted the session, co-hosted by Tongpang Ozukum, advisor for Water Resources. Honored guests included Sanjay Verma, UPSC member, and Lt. Gen. Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps.
Performances included “Call of Hornbill” by Imna Yaden, blending Naga traditional music with contemporary rhythms, traditional bamboo dance by Khiamniungan troupe.
Garo troupe performed the Makal Pala, Headhunting reenactments by Ao troupe, indigenous fire making (Ami Kukula) was performed by Sumi troupe while corn grinding demonstrations (Tsesu Mup Khidong) was presented by Sangtam troupe. The day concluded with lively performances, including Rengma cultural troupe’s Mapi Ghi Khwi and Kachari cultural troupe’s Bai-Bin/Suphen folk dance.