Echoes of traditional games, music and songs on day-4 of Hornbill Festival

DIMAPUR — Marking the fourth day of the Hornbill Festival 2025, the cultural show took place at Unity Plaza, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Thursday.

According to a DIPR report, the programme was hosted by Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, and co-hosted by Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture.

Special guests included Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, and Surabhi Varma Garg, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (NER), Guwahati.

Also read: War dances to harvest songs: Third day of Hornbill Festival 2025 celebrates Naga identity

The day’s cultural line-up showcased a vibrant array of traditional performances from various Naga tribes. The Konyak cultural troupe presented Alea-Boa, a dance associated with the Aoleang festival, celebrated after sowing season to mark the New Year.

The Sumi troupe performed Aphilo Kuwo, a traditional warrior dance recalling the valour of victorious fighters during the headhunting era. The Kuki troupe showcased Khulkon Lam, depicting the legendary migration of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people from the subterranean world to the surface in search of fertile land.

The Phom troupe presented Moolum Shou, a powerful song expressing emotions of vengeance and hatred after victory over enemies. The Rengma troupe demonstrated Khuli, an indigenous bamboo flute music traditionally played by young boys in the Morung at dawn. The Pochury troupe performed Eh-ho Eh-ho, a dance by men of high social standing, highlighting strength and warrior pride during Feast of Merit celebrations.

The Tikhir troupe sang Nongtulukia, a pre-harvest song celebrating growth, life, and gratitude for nature’s gifts, while the Lotha troupe performed Ekhyo Sharu, a victory dance praising warriors who defended their village from enemy threats. The Sangtam troupe showcased Khuya Jing Tsoh, a folk dance imitating the movements of a jumping crow, reflecting their close connection with nature.

The Yimkhiung Troupe presented Khongpi, a traditional bamboo music performed by female. It is either romantic song for lovers or expressions of deep sadness for an individual.

The Zeliang troupe displayed Akhin Tung-Bu Lin, a Chaga Gadi festival dance encouraging girls to join in graceful movements likened to the beauty of a lake.

The Angami troupe performed Kehu-Elokhwe, a traditional chant sung during festivals, communal gatherings, and celebrations. The Ao troupe showcased Shuzung Saiba, the Entada or matchbox bean game traditionally played by village children, symbolising unity and joy. The Chang troupe presented Lo-Chia, a spirited folk dance celebrating beauty, camaraderie, and community pride.

The Chakhesang troupe performed Nyekro Kuvu Li, a work song sung while breaking soil clods during the farming season to make labour easier through collective singing. The Garo troupe demonstrated Wapong Piksuaso, a traditional sport where participants attempt to uproot bamboo using their bare hands to test strength.

The Khiamniungan troupe showcased E-Khik, an act and song by women depicting the extraction of nettle fibre and the communal work culture associated with traditional textile production.

Concluding the line-up, the Kachari troupe performed Swdwmsri Mwsanai, symbolising the mythical mastery of all folk dances, reflecting women’s aspiration to preserve cultural knowledge and heritage.