United Theological Naga Fellowship hosted the first ever Hornbill Festival on December 6, at the Library Lawn, UTC, Bengaluru. A press release by UTNF stated that the fellowship, exclusive to Nagas of United Theological College, Bengaluru, brought together 25 tribes from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
The event commenced with revival song in the Ao Naga dialect, followed by welcome address from fellowship’s president, V. Vikithe Sumi. Advisor, Dr. Kaholi Zhimomi, later elaborated on significance of the Hornbill story, while registrar, Senate of Serampore College (University), Rev Dr. Limatula Longkumer, delivered exhortation. Highlighting the cultural richness, two folk dances were performed, Sumi-Naga dance and Chakhesang folk dance, while two original compositions were presented by Jeviholi Swu and Yingliomei Phom.
The festival continued with indigenous Naga games, including fats eating competition and Naga jumping, showcasing traditional activities.