Day-4 of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival on Wednesday witnessed an impressive array of traditional performances by various tribes of Nagaland on the theme “Cultural Connect”.
The morning session was hosted by deputy chief minister TR Zeliang, alongside advisor for Tribal Affairs and Elections H Tovihoto Ayemi and chairman Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Prasielie Pienyu. Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) general manager AK Chowdhury attended the event as a guest of honour.
The cultural event began with a performance by the Tikhir cultural troupe presenting Thülu Tong Nü Koyatü Nong Nong Khin, a men’s folk song traditionally sung while returning from the fields. Sumi tribe followed with Akhe Shikeu/Aqhe Kishi, a vigorous war dance performed exclusively by male villagers to demonstrate their strength and warrior skills.
The Lotha cultural troupe marked the festival’s silver jubilee with Rhejung Tokhu Jubilee Nsika, a celebratory dance. Rengma tribe presented Akha Khi Kemvü, a song sung during the spinning of cotton threads, while Pochury cultural troupe performed Tsupongho Tsutsongho Chonwi, a victory dance historically linked to headhunting traditions.
Chakesang cultural troupe delivered a spirited war dance called Khrokechü, symbolising courage and fearlessness, with declarations of being the village’s protector. The Konyak tribe softened the tone with Nao Aepu, a lullaby sung by women to praise and bless infants.
Women performers from the Sangtam tribe showcased Aptarü Nyichiba, a celebratory dance performed in the homes of village chiefs who, in turn, offered rice and pork as tokens of gratitude.
The morning session concluded with the Kachari cultural troupe performing Barishing Ha Khim Gaiba, a post-harvest folk dance that honoured esteemed guests.
The co-host for the afternoon session was advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture Imkongmar and was accompanied by minister Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir.
During the cultural event, Phom cultural troupe performed Cheihdungla, an indigenous song and dance where mithun’s horns of different sizes were aligned and played skillfully to generate different musical tunes creating a divine sound.
The Angami cultural troupe presented Chaze Pfhe, a traditional folk song sung by Angami women while spinning cotton yarn used to make traditional shawls, mekhalas, bags, etc.
The Ao cultural troupe entertained the gathering with a mesmerising warrior dance performance, where the dancers entered the stage with chants to celebrate with the viewers.
The Chang cultural troupe presented Theai, a commemorative performance by women where they sing songs while weaving and spinning yarns in attuned harmony.
The Garo cultural troupe presented Anding O’ka, a traditional game of the Garo tribe. The Khiamniungan cultural troupe demonstrated Oum Kie Ao, a traditional way of belt making, while the Kuki cultural troupe entertained the crowd with a mixture of different folk dances called Hal Ngai Lam, which meant dance of healing and rejuvenation.
The Yimkhiung cultural troupe presented Khohto Khun, a folk song. The Zeliang cultural troupe demonstrated Kagiuna Lin, a honey bee dance.