The three-day long 8th state level Mimkut Mini-Hornbill Festival that commenced on January 15 at Ahthibung concluded on January 17. The festival was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in grandeur at Ahthibung town.
Mimkut Festival is one of the prominent festivals of the Kukis. It is celebrated on January 17, every year. However, upon the cabinet resolution of the Kuki Inpi Nagaland, the festival is celebrated on a state level after every four years.
A press release issued by the publicity cell of the 8th State Level Mimkut-Mini Hornbill 2019 stated that the first session of the third day of the celebrations was hosted by SDO (Civil) Ahthibung town, Ruopfukuoduo Noudi, which kick started with the unveiling of 8th State Level Mimkut Mini-Hornbill 2019 monolith at the Mimkut monolith site by deputy chief minister, Y. Patton, along with minister for Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining, V Kashiho Sangtam, advisor Skill Development, Labour, Employment, Kazheto Kinimi, DGP Nagaland, T J Longkumer, DC Peren, and other dignitaries. The Mimkut trill was presented by Ahthibung cultural troupe and Mimkut monolith 2019 dedicatory prayer was offered by executive secretary KCC Nagaland Synod, Rev Chungpao Khongsai.
The second session was hosted by IPS (Retd) & speaker KIN, L. Singsit, which began by singing of the Mimkut theme song by the KAON band. Secretary to the government of Nagaland, Alun Hangsing gave a welcome address and presentation. Peace activist Niketu Iralu spoke on the occasion and also released the biography of Pu Lengjang Kuki. IAS (Retd) social activist, KK Sema and IFS (retd), Thepfulhouvi Solo also spoke on the occasion.
The celebration witnessed various cultural dances and traditional games by cultural troupes. Apart from the Kuki community, Zeliang, Sumi and Angami cultural troupes also performed different cultural dances. A 17 tribes unity dance showcased by YSU Chümoukedima, YSU Dimapur and YSU Phaipijang, was one of the main attractions of the Mini-Hornbill.
The day-3 evening session was celebrated with advisor,Youth Resources & Sports Government of Nagaland, Er. Zhale Neikha, as special guest. Miss Mimkut Lanu 2019 contest was held under the auspices of Miss Mimkut organising committee. The event also saw a special appearance by Indian Fusion and traditional wear display designed by Tina Misao. The Miss Mim Kut Lanu contest was one of the top draws of the celebrations where Miss Nengneichin Hangsing, from Kohima was crowned the winner. Lhingneikim Lhoujem of Saijang village and Saron Singson of Inbung village were crowned first and second runner ups respectively. Closing presidential remarks was delivered by president KIN, LL Kuki, and a prayer was offered by pastor KCCNS, Rev. Lienthom Gangte.
The celebrations were also telecast live on YouTube by wirecast and AIR Kohima and Doordarshan Kendra covered the event live.