KOHIMA — The
eighth day of the 25th Hornbill Festival celebrated the vibrant cultural
heritage of Nagaland, with 18 cultural troupes presenting diverse traditional
performances at the main arena in the picturesque Naga heritage village Kisama
on Sunday.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh
Mandaviya witnessed the spectacular traditional cultural performances.
On Sunday, an array of performances brought the rich
traditions of Nagaland's tribes to life. With a population of two million
(tribals constitute 86.5 per cent), Nagaland has 17 tribes and all the tribes
have their own festivals.
Pochury cultural troupe presented the Atitidoh (folk song),
Sumi cultural troupe presented the Thihele (rice pounding song), the Kachari
cultural troupe presented a commemorative performance, the Sangtam cultural
troupe presented a commemorative performance, the Yimkhiung cultural troupe
presented a Log Drum pulling demonstration.
The Zeliang cultural troupe presented the Hunginang (folk
song), Kuki cultural troupe performed the Salu Lap Lam (folk dance), Chang
cultural troupe performed the Pnangan Chia (folk dance), Lotha cultural troupe
showcased tiger hunting, Konyak cultural troupe presented a commemorative
performance, Garo cultural troupe showcased the Badi Dake Na Ade (folk song).
Khiamniungan cultural troupe performed the Elie Zuihang
(post-war dance), Rengma cultural troupe presented the Anga KaghajuKhwi
(lullaby), Tikhir cultural troupe showcased the Tanta Nyit (millet harvesting
song), Angami cultural troupe presented Nuopie Pfhe (lullaby/cradle song), Ao
cultural troupe showcased the chase of hen by female eagle (game), Chakhesang
cultural troupe presented the Kro Phekechu (folk dance) and the Phom cultural
troupe demonstrated the Mishi Songola (fire making).
Central Minister Mandaviya after witnessing the cultural
performances, wrote on the X: "Absolutely mesmerised! Witnessed the
amazing Hornbill Festival 2024 in Nagaland, a grand celebration of the state’s
rich traditions, vibrant dances, and soulful music."
"Received a warm and traditional welcome at the vibrant
Hornbill Festival 2024 at the Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland. Grateful for
the hospitality to witness these diverse and colorful celebrations," he
said.
Like other foreign and Indian guests, Mandaviya also visited
the World War II Cemetery at Kohima and paid homage to the brave soldiers who
made the supreme sacrifice during the war.
He said on the X: "Paid tribute to the brave personnel
who sacrificed their lives during World War II while serving in the British
Army at the War Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland. People of Bharat have always
stood by the world in times of need."
In the ongoing silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill
Festival, Japan, the US, the United Kingdom (Wales), Peru and Bulgaria were the
country partners while Sikkim and Telangana were the partner states.
Besides daily performances of a large number of cultural
troupes, other highlights of the silver jubilee edition of the iconic 10-day
Hornbill Festival include sales of local products, handloom and handicrafts,
artworks, horticulture, traditional stone pulling ceremony, film festival,
photo fest, heritage walk, kids’ carnival, International Hornbill Naga
Wrestling, indigenous games and sports festival etc.
Local cuisine, food festival, Naga King chilli and pineapple
eating competitions, World War-II rally, adventure outdoor activities, mountain
biking, Dzukou Valley Day Hikes, Bamboo Carnival, and Night Carnival were the
other important attractions of the annual gala celebration.
