Nagaland: NE states display cultural splendour at Hornbill Festival

Day-7 of the Cultural Connect at Unity Plaza, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, brought together the colours, rhythms and traditions of the eight North Eastern States in a vibrant evening of performances.
The event was graced by deputy chief minister Y. Patton as host, advisor Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome as co-host, and secretary, ministry of Electronics & IT, S. Krishnan, as special guest, along with other dignitaries.
The cultural segment highlighted the diversity of the region- stretching from the hills of Nagaland and Meghalaya to the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and the heritage belts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim.
Mizoram’s Cheraw (bamboo dance) and Sarlamkai opened the sequence with energetic precision, followed by Arunachal Pradesh’s Nyishi troupe presenting Juju Jaja Jaminja and Rikhampada, performed during harvest and community gatherings. Manipur’s Kabui Rongmei artistes showcased Duisha Laam and Kit Laam, reflecting the grace of nature and post-monsoon celebrations.
Tripura’s Chakma dancers performed the Bizu and Jhum dances depicting cycles of cultivation, while the Khasi troupe from Meghalaya presented the Mastieh and Harvest dances in thanksgiving. Nagaland’s Lotha women enthralled the audience with Nzanta and Mungyanta, both rooted in post-harvest traditions.
Sikkim’s Bhutia community staged the Snow Lion Dance honouring Mt. Khangchendzonga, while Assam’s Karbi troupe performed Chong Kedam, a martial dance associated with Chomangkan rites.
Curated by NEZCC, Dimapur, the event underscored its motto “Unity through Culture”, highlighting the shared heritage and cultural harmony of the NE region.