Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland also celebrated the 80th Indian Independence Day on Saturday, marked by hoisting of the tricolour in all district
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/WOKHA/MOKOKCHUNG — Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland also celebrated the 80th Indian Independence Day on Saturday, marked by hoisting of the tricolour in all district and sub-divisional headquarters, government offices and various institutions.
Dimapur: The celebration was held at the DDSC Stadium with Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, hoisting the National Flag and taking the Rashtriya Salute.
Kruse, delivering the Independence Day speech, said the Department of Horticulture, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, could enhance area coverage for fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers and plantation crops by over 2,800 hectares.
She also said that proposals for the establishment of two centres of excellence, one for kiwifruit at Pfutsero, Phek, and another for dendrobium (orchid) at the State Horticulture Nursery, Chümoukedima, are under process.
WATCH MORE:
At the event, District Awards were also presented to 10 government officials and personnel in recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedicated service in their respective fields.
This was followed by patriotic dance performances by PM GHSS, Burma Camp, and Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, while folk dances were performed by the Dimasa Kachari cultural troupe, Bamunphukuri, and Tsunrun Yimkhung Cultural Club, Dimapur.
NCC cadets from Dimapur Government College and Greenwood HSS, along with Scouts and Guides from Holy Cross HSS and students of MGM HSS, participated in the parade contingents despite the NSF’s directive urging schools and educational institutions to keep students away from the Independence Day programmes.
The celebrations were followed by the inauguration of exhibition stalls set up by various government departments.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day address at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
The minister also presented the District Commendation Award 2026 to nine distinguished recipients and conferred the ATMA Outstanding Farmers awards to 10 progressive farmers from across the nine blocks of the district.
Jamir later inaugurated a district-level exhibition of stalls put up by the agriculture and allied departments. The stalls showcased local agricultural innovations and products, with participation from APMC Mokokchung, the Chief Medical Office, Food Safety on Wheels and several Self-Help Groups.
A major highlight of the celebration was the impressive march-past where contingents from DEF Mokokchung, 2 NAP, Home Guard Mokokchung, Ex-Servicemen, NCC units from Fazl Ali College and PM Shri Mayangnokcha GHSS, Scouts and Guides from a local school, and the Band Platoon of 12 Assam Rifles participated.
Cultural programmes added colour to the occasion, with performances by the Mangmetong Cultural Club, Longtrok Senden Ungma and the Gorkha Union Mokokchung.
Wokha: The main celebration was held at the Public Ground, Wokha, with Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, as the special guest.
The day began with flag hoisting at all government offices, followed by institutional visits to the Senior Citizens’ Home, two orphanages, the District Jail, and the District Hospital.
At the main programme, the special guest unfurled the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute, inspected the parade contingents, and delivered the Independence Day address.
In his speech, Yanthan highlighted the state government’s proactive measures for the welfare of the people and the progress of Nagaland.
A total of 15 parade contingents participated in the march past, led by parade commander Sangthing Khiam (NPS), SDPO Wokha.
The programme also featured cultural presentations by Fernbrook School Wokha and the Female Cultural Club, Wokha Village, followed by the inauguration of stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups showcasing exotic food items, handicrafts, and fresh vegetables. Notably, DEF Wokha police introduced the district’s first “smart stall,” displaying modern equipment and gadgets designed to solve crime-related issues.
Peren: Independence Day was celebrated at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex in Peren, with Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang as the special guest.
Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, the Rashtriya Salute was accorded and the National Anthem was sung. Zeliang inspected the parade contingents and delivered the Independence Day address, a DIPR report stated.
District Commendation Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements, while ATMA Awards were also conferred on deserving recipients.
The celebration featured cultural performances by the Jalukie B Hornbill Dancing Troupe and the Ahthibung Cultural Troupe. The Deputy CM also inaugurated exhibition stalls set up as part of the celebrations.
The day-long celebration concluded with a ceremonial retreat by the DEF Peren.
Mon: Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton attended the Independence Day celebration as the special guest at Local Ground, Mon.
According to a DIPR report, Patton unfurled the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem. He thereafter inspected the parade contingents and delivered the Independence Day message.
Later, Patton inaugurated stalls set up by various societies and government departments.
The programme also featured cultural songs presented by KNSK, Wagim Ward. As part of the celebrations, the National Flag was hoisted at all government offices and educational institutions.
Other activities, including a tug-of-war and an inter-departmental penalty shootout, were held in the evening.
Tuensang: The celebration was held at Parade Ground, Tuensang, with Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, as the special guest. Along hoisted the National Flag, followed by Rashtriya Salute, singing of the National Anthem and inspection of the parade.
Along handed over the District Commendation Awards and Best Farmers Awards. He also inaugurated exhibition stalls set up by ATMA and departments including Agriculture, Land Resources, Sericulture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Veterinary, Forest, KVK, Government Polytechnic Sedem, Election Department and District Legal Services Authority.
Longleng: Minister of Road and Bridges G Kaito Aye hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute from 11 parade contingents at Public Ground, Longleng.
The special guest inspected the ceremonial parade contingent and delivered the Independence Day message. The special guest also gave away the district awards to the following individuals.
The special guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and societies during the occasion.
Phek: The Independence Day celebration was held at Local Ground, Phek, with Advisor, Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum, as the special guest.
Ozukum hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute, inspected the parade and delivered the Independence Day speech. The five parade contingents were DEF Phek, 5th NAP, Nagaland Home Guard and Civil Defence Phek, Ex-Servicemen, and 39th Assam Rifles with Pipe Band.
Later, Ozukum inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by 12 departments and self-help groups.
Government employees, members of the public, GBs and NGOs attended the programme, a DIPR report stated.
Kiphire: Advisor of Science and Technology Kuzholuzo Nienu was the special guest at the Independence Day celebration held at Public Ground, Kiphire.
The event began with a parade review by Superintendent of Police, Kiphire. Nienu hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, delivered the Independence Day speech and took the Rashtriya Salute.
Nienu also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups.
The programme concluded with the Beating of Retreat by DEF, Kiphire.
Niuland: Niuland district celebrated the 80th Independence Day at Niuland Public Ground, with Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education, as the special guest.
Dr Yhome hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from five different parade contingents.
The celebration also featured the presentation of District Awards to five progressive farmers in the district. The programme also witnessed demonstrations by the Niuland Pencak Silat Association and a cultural presentation of the Sümi war dance by Suhoi village.
Yhome later inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and civil society organisations of Niuland district.
Noklak: Advisor of Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak was the special guest at the Independence Day celebration held at Public Ground, Noklak.
On his arrival, Konyak hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya salute from eleven parade contingents and read out the Independence Day speech.
During the event, the special guest gave away the Best Farmer Award for 2026 to three outstanding farmers. He also inaugurated the exhibition stalls and flagged off the agri-link transportation truck, a special initiative of the district-level implementation and monitoring committee to provide logistical support to local farmers, promote entrepreneurship and generate employment under the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative.
A total of 15 vehicles for the district were launched.
Chümoukedima: Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards CL John attended the Independence Day celebration held at Sammagooting Stadium, DC’s Office Complex, Chümoukedima.
The programme commenced with the fall-in of parade contingents, followed by the National Anthem. District Commendation Awards were presented to government officers in recognition of their distinguished services.
As part of the programme, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Chümoukedima, released the Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) 2026, Compendium of Activities 2025-26 and Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in Agriculture.
The district-level ATMA Farmers Award 2026 was also presented to five progressive farmers from Chümoukedima, Dhansiripar and Medziphema blocks in recognition of their contribution to farming and allied activities.
The Office of the District Project Officer, Department of Land Resources, also felicitated the dignitaries with Nagaland Coffee during the celebration.
Zunheboto: The Independence Day celebration in Zunheboto was attended by Minister for PHE and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi as the special guest.
The celebration commenced with the arrival of the special guest, followed by the singing of the National Song, hoisting of the National Flag, National Anthem, inspection of the parade and the Independence Day address by the minister.
The programme featured a march-past by various contingents.
The programme was followed by the District Awards, which were presented to the Home Guard Civil Defence and SDRF Department and 18 other individuals from various departments. Eight farmers from Zunheboto district were also awarded the District Level Farmer Award along with certificates and cash prizes.
The minister inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by six departments under Zunheboto district.
Shamator: Shamator celebrated the 80th Independence Day with Bashangmongba Chang, Minister of Housing and Mechanical Engineering, as the special guest.
After the National Song, the minister hoisted the National Flag, followed by inspection of the parade contingents and delivery of the Independence Day speech. Later, the minister inaugurated stalls set up by different departments.
Other highlights of the programme included cultural and entertainment presentations by Kihoto Theological College Cultural Troupe, Emerald Academy School, Lünsoberü Club, Mongtsüwong Cultural Troupe and Alipok Cultural Troupe.
Tseminyu: The Independence Day celebration was held at RSA Ground, Tseminyu, with P Paiwang Konyak, minister for health and family welfare, as the special guest. The minister hoisted the National Flag, took the salute from two parade contingents comprising 4th NAP (B Coy) and Ex-servicemen, Tseminyu, and delivered the Independence Day speech.
The highlights of the function included a folk song by La Kethyu Logwa, presentation of District Awards and inauguration of exhibition stalls set up by various departments.
Meluri: The celebration was held at the Local Ground, Meluri, with Advisor, NSDMA and Inland Waterways, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, as the special guest.
The chief guest inspected the parade contingents and addressed the gathering.
The parade contingents comprised Village Guards of Phor Sector, ex-servicemen, Village Guards of Lephori Sector and the NVG Pipe Band of Meluri.
On the occasion, the advisor also administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan pledge, encouraging the gathering to collectively commit themselves to creating a drug-free society.
The celebration also featured cultural presentations by the Khumiasü Cultural Group (women) and Riehuope Cultural Group (men).
MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero, accompanying the chief guest, inaugurated the exhibition stalls.
Nagaland House, New Delhi: Independence Day was celebrated at Nagaland House, New Delhi, with Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly S Toiho Yeptho as the special guest. Joint Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi, Sharon Longchari led the celebration, which was attended by officers and staff of Nagaland House.
After hoisting the National Flag, Yeptho received the Rashtriya Salute from 3rd NAP. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted some of the progress and developments taking place in the state.
Earlier during the day, to commemorate the special event, the Deputy Speaker, along with the staff of Nagaland House, planted tree saplings at Nagaland State Guest House, RK Puram, New Delhi.
Independence Day celebrations were also held in various sub-divisional headquarters including Tobu, Chozuba, Tening, Aghunato, Tizit, Noksen, Changtongya, Pfutsero, Monyaksu, Longkhim, Tuli, Aboi, Mangkolemba, Atoizu, Jakhama, Pungro, Pughoboto, Chiephobozou, Medziphema, Satakha, Tamlu, Naginimora, Bhandari, Seyochung and Phomching,
Independence Day was also celebrated by various institutions and organisations, including Sainik School Punglwa; Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; The ICFAI University Nagaland; North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima; Veterinary College Jalukie; International University, Nagaland; EDUCEN Dimapur; Ex-Servicemen League Niuland District;
Assam Rifles also celebrated the 80th Independence Day across different districts of the state with “patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.”
Visitation and outreach programmes
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, various unions, NGOs and civil society organisations visited orphanages, institutions, jails and homes, where they distributed gifts and essential goods.
The Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) visited Jo Foundation, while Puliebadze Club visited Mt. Gilead Home. The Lions Club visited the State Mental Health Institute, and the Royal Club visited Bright Morning Star.
Classic Club visited Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home, while Rotary Club visited Cradle Ridge. Hindu Kalyan Samiti visited the Old Age Home, and the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch visited the District Jail, Kohima.
The Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) visited Tabitha Enabling Academy, while the Kohima Masjid Committee visited Cherry Blossom.
Nagaland Adventure Club visited Kevi Children Home, Spikes Club visited the Oncology Department at NHAK, and the Gorkha Public Panchayat visited the Leprosy Hospital at Nagabazar.
The Kohima Press Club (KPC) visited the Kripa Foundation at High School colony.
In Dimapur, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) paid courtesy visit to inmates of Residential Hostel (SAMAGRAH) United Colony (Half-Nagarjan), Dimapur; Royal Club visited Bright Morning Star, Kohima.
The Vivekananda Welfare Foundation (VWF), in collaboration with Lions Club of Dimapur Blue Venda, celebrated Independence Day with the children of Pratibha, the flagship educational initiative of VWF for underprivileged and school-dropout children, at the Pratibha Centre, Burma Camp, Dimapur.