Nagaland 26th Hornbill Prelude concludes with night of music, fashion and culture

The 26th edition of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival Prelude concluded on Saturday with a glittering showcase of music, fashion and cultural performances at the Agri Expo, Chümoukedima.
The evening’s major attraction was the Legacy Runway and Hall of Fame Concert, which brought together leading pageant personalities. Bollywood actress and Miss Grand International 2015 second runner-up, Vartika Singh, headlined the show as the star showstopper. She was joined by Arshia Rashid (Femina Miss India Maharashtra 2024), Akshata Das (Femina Miss India Kerala 2024) and Chanchui Khayi (Femina Miss India Manipur 2024), who added glamour to the event’s fashion segment.
The cultural and musical mood was elevated through the “Rhythms and Runways of Nagaland” showcase, featuring performances by Abdon Mech, Divine Connection, Hot Pot, Moko Koza, Polar Lights and others. Duet acts by Senti & Hopong and solo performances by Lenen Jamir, Shau Evans and Nievolu captivated the audience.
Organised by the Fashion Fusion Nagaland (FFN) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the event drew praise for promoting the state’s artistic excellence. Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along attended as the special guest and highlighted the prelude’s role in fostering unity among the districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland. He urged the public to participate actively in the upcoming Hornbill Festival and welcome visitors warmly, noting that the celebration offers a significant platform to showcase Nagaland’s heritage and hospitality.
The evening also featured the announcement of winners from the day’s indigenous competitions.
In the traditional Sumi dance category, Sumi emerged champions, with Zeliang finishing runners-up.
Tohoshe Achumi won the pork-eating competition, followed by Yilopemo, while Zeliang secured first place in the tug-of-war ahead of Chakhesang (Genesis). In the bamboo stilt race, Meribemo Patton and Kiriaying claimed the top two positions, while Kughatu C. Zhimo and Hekavi emerged as winners in the bamboo climbing challenge.
The grand finale of the Hornbill Prelude set an energetic and celebratory tone ahead of the Hornbill Festival beginning December 1.