Traditional stone pulling marks 25 yrs of Hornbill Festival
Over 1,000 participants joined the Stone Pulling ceremony celebrating the 25th Hornbill Festival in Kisama covering a distance of around 5-kilometer from Napfülezha Kigwema TCP Gate, with 13 villages participating as womenfolk participated by carrying traditional refreshments in Khorü baskets.
Speaking on the occasion as chief host, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, said people were celebrating the blessing received for celebrating the festival for the past 25 years. He expressed special gratitude to the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) for organizing the event emphasising the importance of coming together to celebrate a vibrant festival.
Rio reflected on the historical context of the Naga Hills, recalling the British arrival and their recognition of the uniqueness of Naga customs, which led to the enactment of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act in 1873.
This legislation, later preserved in the Indian Constitution as the Inner Line Regulation, continues to safeguard Naga culture and traditions, Rio said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the stone pulling tradition, explaining that it honors wealthy individuals of ancient times who contributed to community welfare, with festivities marking their generosity. “It is not about performing Gennas or rituals but respecting our elders, seeking their blessings, and honoring their wisdom,” Rio emphasized, citing Biblical values of respect and tradition.
Rio stressed the importance of protecting cultural heritage amid modernization, attributing the preservation of Naga identity to efforts by both the British and the Indian government. “If we fail to recognize our identity, we have no one to blame but ourselves,” he said, urging collective action to protect cultural values for future generations.
Rio expressed appreciation for the role of civic leaders and organizations, particularly SAPO, in bringing the event to life and uniting communities through the celebration of Naga traditions.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the 25th Hornbill Festival stone-pulling ceremony and also addressed the event.
He lauded the Hornbill Festival’s evolution into an international celebration. The festival draws global visitors to experience Nagaland’s scenic beauty, diverse culture, music, costumes, cuisines, and dances. “Despite the diversities, the unity and strength of the Naga people are truly remarkable,” Shekhawat said.
He noted that with support from the government of India and the Ministry of Art and Culture, Hornbill Festival has the potential to become a globally recognized event, attracting even larger audiences.
Reflecting on India’s progress over the past 75 years, Shekhawat acknowledged the untapped potential of the Northeast and its historical marginalization.
Shekhawat noted that a transformative shift has taken place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing over 70 visits by the Prime Minister to the region and arrangements for Union Ministers to monitor its development. “The Northeast, especially Nagaland, holds immense potential to drive the nation’s transformation into a developed country in the next 25 years,” he added.
Nagaland’s Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along hosted the program and highlighted the significance of the stone-pulling ceremony, led by the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO). The 5-kilometer pull from Jakhama to Kisama Heritage Village symbolized Naga strength and resilience.
“Despite instances of the ropes breaking, participants retied and reinforced them, embodying the Nagas’ perseverance,” Along said. The stone, he added, represents cultural harmony and will serve as a blessing for visitors to Kisama.
Along expressed gratitude to participants and called the event a historic moment. “This stone is a symbol of peace and prosperity for the future, carrying the blessings of the Naga people to all who witness it,” he said, urging the community to uphold their cultural roots amid modernization.
Chairman of the Kigwema Village Council, Balie Kere, offered a traditional blessing, while Executive Secretary of JBCC, Kehovi Tase, opened the program with an invocation. The President of the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), Tepul Hopovi, also participated.
Advisor for Prison, Printing & Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu, along with MLA Kevipodi Sophie, co-hosted the event. A 25-shot gun salute, led by the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), was also part of the proceedings. This event was organized by the Southern Angami People Organization.