Nagaland: Irish deputy envoy graces day-2 of International Hornbill Festival in Mon

Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador to India, Raymond Mullen, graced the second day of the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 as chief guest at Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon on Tuesday.
According to a DIPR report, the Irish deputy envoy, in his address, expressed delight at being a part of the International Hornbill Festival in Mon. Mullen also appreciated the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks. He said that the celebration inspired creativity and cultural preservation.
Delivering the welcome address, DPDB Mon chairman, Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA, who was the host of the day, expressed gratitude to the state chief minister for his vision to extend the Hornbill Festival beyond Kisama.
He said that Festival was not just an annual celebration but a platform to showcase and protect cultural heritage, foster unity and promote tourism in the state.
Konyak called upon everyone to use the occasion to nurture sustainable livelihoods for artisans and to provide younger generations with the opportunity to understand, respect, and carry forward our rich heritage.
Stating that the festival should serve as a “catalyst for intercultural dialogue,” he encouraged the people from diverse backgrounds to mingle, learn from one another, and foster deeper appreciation and understanding within the community.
Advisor to CM & Chairman IDAN, Abu Mehta, on behalf of organisers and citizens, extended gratitude to the tourists, participants especially the chief guest, and said that his presence would internationalize the festival. He said that the Nagas as whole had one ambition and aspiration, to achieve real peace, respect and honour.
Calling for unity among the Nagas, Metha said that division only weakened the community. He added that the International Hornbill Festival Edition in Mon would continue to expand in the coming years.
Today’s cultural extravaganza was organised by the department of art and culture on the theme “Cultural Connect”. The Tangnyu Cultural Troupe, Wanching Cultural Troupe, Loung Cultural Troupe, Tamkoang Cultural Troupe, Chen area Cultural Troupe, Longchang Cultural troupe, Ukha Cultural Troupe, Sheanghah Chingnyu Cultural troupe Bung, Langmeang cultural Troupe, Nokyan Cultural Troupe, Phom cultural Troupe, Ao Cultural Troupe, Tenyimia Cultural Troupe , Wancho Fusion Crew, and Assam troupe presented cultural items.
Indigenous Game Tug of war was played among 11 wards both male and female from Mon town. The programme was organised by department of DUDA in collaboration with Konyak Union on the theme “Heritage Challenge”.
Other dignitaries present included NSMDC chairman Kupu Shohe, TAFMA chairman Theja Meru, Nagaland Honey Mission chairman Obed Quinker, and Bio Resource Mission chairperson Wanphong Konyak.