DIMAPUR — A three-day extended Hornbill
Festival in Zunheboto got underway with a grand celebration at the District
Sports Council Ground in Zunheboto town on Thursday on the theme
"Celebrating Nagaland's rich heritage."
The celebration, organised by the Sumi Youth Organisation
(SYO), was attended by Dr. Kekhrie Yhome, Advisor of School Education &
SCERT, as the inaugural guest.
In his address, Dr. Yhome highlighted the importance of
preserving and celebrating the traditions, customs and cultural practices of
Nagaland. He emphasised that while the Hornbill Festival itself might not have
been celebrated by the forefathers of the Naga tribes, it has grown into a
unifying event that brings people together, stated an update from SYO.
He urged the people of Zunheboto to find a permanent venue
for the festival, advocate for government support and use the occasion to
showcase the state’s rich cultural identity to the world.
Dr. Yhome also mentioned that the Sumi people, as one of the
major tribes in Nagaland, should be proud of their heritage and continue
promoting unity among different tribes in the state. He further expressed
optimism that education and religion would help uplift the people of Nagaland.
The event's highlight included speech by Akukau Hetoho S
Zhimomi, president of Sumi Kukami Hoho, who conveyed his gratitude to Hikavi H
Kinimi, SYO president, and his team for organising the first edition of the
extended Hornbill Festival. He also reminded stall owners on the importance of
adhering to the norms and preserve the culture during the festival.
The festival would feature a variety of cultural and
traditional exhibitions, including the Sumi indigenous martial art sparring
(Apukhu Kiti) and tug-of-war competition. Additionally, attendees would be
treated with performances by local artistes such as Mengu Suokhrie, Keneisenuo
Sorhie, Nikato Tamang, Physco K4, and District Band Zunheboto.
The evening events would be hosted by Miss Nagaland 2022,
Hikali Achumi, and Global Model India, Tonoto Zhimomi.
The inaugural programme featured the Living Voice and
Kihikali Zhimo, who performed songs and a brief description about Sumi
Alokumusu Mqo by Kakugha S Rotokha, advisor of SAM.
Folk dance by Lumuthsami, tug-of-war, Apu ki Ili Ki and Sumi
indigenous martial art sparring were other highlights of the inaugural
programme.
