Three-day Poang Lüm Mini Hornbill festival kicks off at at Parade Ground, Tuensang town.
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TUENSANG — The inaugural programme of Poang Lüm Mini Hornbill festival, organised by the Chang Khulei Setshang, was held at Parade Ground, Tuensang town, on Tuesday with Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton as the special guest, and Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering, P Bashangmongba, as the chief host.
In his address, the deputy CM assured that the state government is with the eastern Nagaland people, looking forward to a hopeful future as Frontier Nagaland Territory. Patton informed that the demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has been forwarded to the Government of India.
Patton also stated that Tuensang is also considered as “mini Nagaland” where many tribes coexist, with the Chang community playing a key role in fostering peace and harmony.
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Being a historical district, one must not forget the rich culture and tradition of the community, he said and added that the auspicious occasion is a time for “forget and forgive” and live in peaceful co-existence, no matter what differences one might have had in the past, the minister said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chang community for sending efficient members to represent the state government. Patton further extended Poang Lüm greetings on behalf the Government of Nagaland and Chief Minister Nephiu Rio.
The three-day festival is held on the theme, ‘Lumlum: Threads that define, unite and connect.’
In his welcome address, the chief host stated that “Poang Lüm is not merely a festival but the living spirit of people. It is a celebration of identity, unity and continuity where traditions meet the present and where generations come together to honour the wisdom of our ancestors.”
Bashangmongba also expressed gratitude to the special guest and other invitees for their presence and thanked the organising committee and all the stakeholders for their hard work and sincerity towards the festival.
Executive chairman of Chang Khulei Setshang, Wongto Chingmak, underscored that ‘Lumlum’ signifies the pattern imprinted on the Keiwi Shangbü nei (traditional Chang Naga shawl for men).
He went on to state that the pattern represents meat distribution by brave ancestors during festivities, and that the shawl is for dignified males to wear on special occasions.
The Qui-Qui Award recipients were Ayen Mongba in the field of sports, A Alemla (entrepreneurship), and Lieutenant Thungpang Longju (Indian Army commission).
The festival's heralding was pronounced by Yimkong Somba of Chingmei village, with a prayer by Rev. Achu Chang, CBLT executive secretary.
Poang Lüm Voice was performed by Auching, winner of Poang Lüm Voice Icon 2025.
The event also showcased various cultural activities like pulling of log drum, Chang warrior parade, cultural show and indigenous games.
The deputy CM was accompanied by the Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Village Guard, CL John; Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Kazheto Kinimi; Advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, A Pangjung Jamir; MLAs Neiba Konyak, Lima Onen and Imtichuba Chang, and a host of dignitaries.