Nagaland: Day-3 cultural extravaganza enthrals visitors at Hornbill

Day-3 of the 26th Hornbill Festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of Naga tribal dances and folk traditions at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
According to DIPR, the cultural show was hosted by deputy chief minister Y Patton and co-hosted by advisor K. Tokugha Sukhalu. Distinguished guests included the Consul General of Bhutan Jigme in Guwahati, Thinlye Namgyal; Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command; Lt. Gen. Mohit Wadhwa, GOC 101; Songlines founding editor Simon Lee Broughton and other dignitaries.
The cultural presentations opened with the Zeliang troupe’s Akoina Lin, followed by the Yimkhiung troupe’s Kha Kiaklak Rhimo and the Tikhar women’s folk dance Tainang Jong Paihi Ai. The Sumi troupe performed Akikiti, the traditional kick-fighting sport practised by boys in the morung.
Sangtam artistes presented Shangrü Thsaba Khi, a friendship folk song, while the Rengma troupe showcased Künyeün, the Igada Festival’s war dance. The Pochury troupe performed Küzhegwi, a ritual chant invoking adherence to customs.
The Phom troupe presented Ho Ho Shou, narrating the tribe’s ancestral migration, followed by the Lotha troupe’s Myingthung Sharü, a dance of praise for the village chief. The Kuki troupe performed Lenchonghoi La, a tragic folklore of abduction and loss.
Konyak troupes showcased Gan-rin Boa, a pre-war ritual song, while the Kachari troupe staged Bagurumba, the butterfly dance. The Khiamniungan troupe performed Beoyam Kinya, depicting the harvest season, and the Garo troupe presented the Quarrel Dance symbolising clan rivalry and reconciliation.
The Chang troupe displayed Khuyubü, a traditional wrestling sport, followed by the Chakhesang Süte Li, a millet cultivation song. The Ao troupe performed Keyi Asahba Yimya (The Tiger’s Hunt), and the Angami troupe concluded with Lübo–Tati, featuring the single-stringed Tati.
Day-3 offered visitors a rich journey through Naga cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity, storytelling traditions and communal spirit of the tribes.