International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition concludes with calls for inter-state cooperation and celebration of Konyak heritage.
Share
DIMAPUR — The three-day International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 concluded at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon, on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as the guest of honour.
CL John, minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland, was the host of the day, stated a DIPR report.
The programme was organised by the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) in collaboration with the Konyak Union on the theme “Heritage Challenge”.
Addressing the gathering, Wangsu said that the Hornbill Festival is the heartbeat of Nagaland and a living museum of the rich tribal heritage, social harmony, and timeless traditions that define the identity and pride of the Naga people. He noted that the Mon edition showcases the cultural splendour of the Konyak community.
Read more: Hornbill Festival 2025 concludes with new global and regional partnerships
Irish Deputy Ambassador lauds Konyak heritage at International Hornbill Festival in Mon
He stated that witnessing the colours, music, dances, and the indomitable spirit of the people reminded him of the unique bond that Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share. "We are not only neighbours by geography, but more importantly, we are bound by shared values, shared heritage, and shared aspirations," he added.
Wangsu also stated that Mon district, with its traditional skills, talented youths, and unique cultural identity, possesses immense potential for growth.
CL John, the host, said that each Naga tribe celebrates their own festivals in their own way, but the Hornbill Festival is organised by the Government of Nagaland for all tribes to celebrate the "Festival of Festivals" in unison. He mentioned that because of the festival, Nagaland has a name on the world map. He also extended gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for making the Konyak Heritage Complex next to Kisama.
In his note of appreciation, T Wati Aier, director of DUDA, stated that the Konyak Heritage is the brainchild of Neiphiu Rio and appealed to the people to take ownership of the heritage.
A cultural extravaganza was organised by the Department of Art and Culture on the theme “Cultural connect”. Males from 11 wards of Mon town participated in the Indigenous Games Bamboo Stilt race and Machete (Dao) Chopping Competition, while females from 11 wards participated in the Wool Spinning competition.