Kohima, Dec. 7: Entering the seventh day of the Hornbill festival, a bamboo stilt walking competition was organised today at the main venue of the festival, Kisama village.
Hokugha from the Sumi community emerged the champion in the competition. He finished the race in 26.19 seconds to claim the title. The distance of the race was around 60 metres.
Tamu from the Pochury community, who completed the race in 28.2 seconds, bagged the 1st runner-up prize, while Kushen from the Chang community took the second place. Kushen finished the race in 30.43 seconds.
The champion walked home richer with Rs. 7,000, while the first and the second runner-up received Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000, in that order.
The game was played to determine ability, agility, flexibility and technique of the participants. The stilt bamboo race is one of the most popular and exciting indigenous games among the Naga people. The game is played and enjoyed by most of the tribes of Nagaland. The participants compete by walking or racing each other on bamboo stilts.
The prizes for the winners were given away by Megolhou Dolie, assistant director of Youth Resources and Sports.
15 participants, representing various tribes of Nagaland, took part in the competition.
Novelty customs take Hornbill’s centerstage
The seventh day of the Hornbill Festival witnessed cultural dance performances from various tribal cultural troupes that displayed diverse but beautiful narratives about the Naga heritage and way of life.
The cultural items of the day included Kachinha dance by the Yehemi Cultural troupe ( Sumi), Wangala dance by the Ekhanipathar Village Cultural Troupe (Dimapur) Garo, Khulkon Lam by Phaijol Village Cultural Troupe (Kuki), Chai Chai Lim by Nsong Village Cultural Troupe (Zeliang), Arr Atsutepa by Waromong Village Cultural Troupe (Ao), BwdanBw dance by Kachari Cultural Troupe of Purana Bazaar (Dimapur), Nok-lee dance by Pathso (Khiamniungan) and Khwizhll dance by the Phoyisha Range Cultural troupe (Pochury).
