International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition opens with cultural displays, ministerial messages and community celebrations highlighting Konyak heritage and district pride.
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DIMAPUR — The three-day International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 began on Monday at the Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon, with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat virtually gracing the inaugural event as guest of honour.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio served as chief host, alongside K Konngam Konyak, Advisor for Art and Culture, Treasuries and Accounts, as co-host, and W Chingang Konyak, Advisor for DUDA and Geology and Mining, as host of the day, according to an update from the DIPR.
In his message, Shekhawat congratulated the organisers and said the festival is “not just an event but a living expression of the Nagas through their song, dance and music,” adding that the Hornbill Festival has become “a global window.”
Welcoming cultural troupes and attendees, Rio said the heritage complex was inaugurated not only for Aoleang celebration but for year-round activities. He commended the organisers for hosting the festival in one of Nagaland’s largest districts, a region “blessed with rich culture and tradition.”
The chief minister highlighted the Konyak craftsmanship—from gun making and gunpowder preparation to beadwork, tattoos, blacksmithing and pottery—passed down through generations.
On the Eastern Nagaland issue, Rio said the third and final draft on the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) has been submitted to the government of India after deliberation with the state Cabinet, expressing hope for a positive response.
Also read: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism sends greetings to Nagaland during Hornbill Festival
He urged the community to utilise the complex to “preserve, promote and execute” Konyak culture and later inaugurated the Traditional Cuisine and Artist & Artisans’ Corner, visiting the Ahng Museum and departmental stalls.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, in a short address, extended gratitude to the organisers and the chief minister. Host of the day, W Chingang Konyak, introduced the festival and thanked Rio for the initiative, describing the programme as a reflection of efforts to promote the district’s culture, identity and tourism.
A cultural extravaganza was organised by the department of Art and Culture, featuring troupes from Tangnyu, Wanching, Loung, Tamkoang, Chen area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang, Nokyan, Phom, Ao, Tenyimia, Wancho Fusion Crew from Arunachal Pradesh, and an Assam cultural troupe.
Indigenous games were organised by DUDA in collaboration with the Konyak Union, including rice pounding, rice husking and fire making.
The programme began with a traditional blessing by Lohwang, Pongyin Ahng of Longzang village, followed by heralding of the festival with traditional trumpets, firing of muzzle-loading guns by Loung village, and the sounding of the gong by the chief host.