Ahuna-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 concludes at Suruhuto, celebrating Sümi–Yimkhiung friendship and cultural heritage
DIMAPUR — The Ahuna-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 concluded at Suruhuto town, Zunheboto district, on November 14, with a celebration of traditional heritage, inter-tribal friendship and cultural exchange, highlighted by the second edition of the Sümi–Yimkhiung Cultural Exchange Programme.
Organised by the Sümi Hoho and hosted by the Suruhuto Area Public Organisation, the three-day festival brought together leaders and representatives of the Sümi and Yimkhiung communities to strengthen their longstanding relationship and promote mutual understanding.
Minister for Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye, attended the concluding programme as Ahuna Father, while Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S Toiho Yeptho, was the chief host.
Advisors S Keoshu Yimchunger, K Tokugha Sukhalu and S Kiusumew Yimchunger also addressed the gathering.
The Yimkhiung Tribal Council attended as the special tribal guest.
Also read: Ikishe Village Block C celebrates Ahuna Festival 2026
Addressing the gathering, Aye extended Ahuna greetings to both communities, wishing them a rich harvest, prosperity and divine blessings. Describing Ahuna as a celebration of their agricultural heritage, he said the festival revived the age-old tradition of giving thanks for the harvest and provided an opportunity to preserve ancestral values while strengthening friendship and unity.
Emphasising the need for a forward-looking approach, Aye urged the Naga people to move beyond repeatedly revisiting the Indo-Naga political movement of the 1950s and 1960s and focus on future challenges and opportunities.
"Our focus should not be on revisiting the past again and again, but on preparing and working today for the challenges that lie ahead. It is time we start talking about our tomorrow, where unity remains our only hope," he said.
He called for collective efforts to build stronger villages, communities and tribes, stressing that peace, reconciliation and unity were essential for the wider progress of Naga society.
Aye also expressed concern over the growing influence of alcohol, drugs and other anti-social activities among the younger generation. He urged families, churches, community organisations and public leaders to work together to address the issues, rescue affected youth and ensure a safer future.
Highlighting the importance of dignity of labour, honesty and hard work, he encouraged people to pursue agriculture and other productive livelihoods rather than depend excessively on government welfare schemes.
He said communities needed to develop self-reliance and prepare for the future.
He further appealed to Naga communities to look beyond tribal interests and contribute to the progress of the wider Naga family.
Referring to the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO), he called for sincerity in ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of economic packages among tribes and ministries.
Advisor S Keoshu Yimchunger called upon the Sümi and Yimkhiung communities to preserve their longstanding relationship, built on brotherhood, mutual protection and shared sacrifices.
Recalling the difficult years of the Naga political movement in the 1950s and 1960s, he said the Yimkhiung community had faced hardships while the Sümi community extended protection and assistance.
He stressed that their relationship was not merely a formal association but one rooted in mutual support during difficult times.
Advisor S Kiusumew Yimchunger also highlighted the historical ties between the two communities, observing that their relationship had evolved over generations through greater understanding and mutual acceptance.
Expressing appreciation for his first visit to Suruhuto, he said the exchange of gifts during such occasions symbolised oneness and belonging. He expressed hope that the bond would continue to be nurtured for the benefit of future generations.
In his welcome and presidential address, Sümi Hoho president Dr. Vihuto Asumi described Ahuna as one of the most cherished festivals of the Sümi people to mark the completion of the agricultural season and the gathering of the harvest.
Identifying the Sümi–Yimkhiung Cultural Exchange as the highlight of this year's celebration, Asumi traced the friendship between the communities to the 1930s.
Deputy Speaker S Toiho Yeptho appreciated the organisers for bringing the two communities together and expressed hope that their friendship would continue to grow through unity and cooperation.
Western Sumi Kukami Hoho president Akükatou Khehovi Chophi said the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and bridge gaps between communities, while Western Yimkhiung Hoho president H Akiumong Yim described the relationship as unique and urged both communities to protect it from outside considerations.
Earlier, the Sümi–Yimkhiung Cultural Exchange Programme featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Yimkhiung Tribal Council president Throngso Yimkhiung.