Irish Deputy Ambassador Raymond Mullen praised Konyak culture at the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 held at the Konyak Heritage Complex.
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DIMAPUR — Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador to India, Raymond Mullen, on Tuesday said he was honoured to witness the cultural richness of the Konyaks as he graced the second day of the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 at the Konyak Heritage Complex.
Appreciating the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks, he remarked that the celebration “inspires creativity and cultural preservation.”
Mullen attended the programme as the chief guest, while Y Mankhao Konyak, MLA and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), served as host of the day. The event was also attended by Abu Mehta, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN; Kupu Shohe, Chairman of NSMDC; Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA; Obed Quinker, Chairman of Nagaland Honey Mission; and Wanphong Konyak, Chairperson of the Bio Resource Mission.
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In his welcome address, Mankhao Konyak thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for extending the Hornbill Festival beyond Kisama and emphasised that the festival is not merely an annual celebration but a platform to showcase and protect cultural heritage, foster unity and promote tourism.
He said the government had achieved “a remarkable milestone” by releasing the documentation of traditional attire on December 1 during the Statehood Day celebration, and added that research on traditional culture and ornaments would follow to safeguard and preserve rich heritage.
He urged the gathering to use the occasion to nurture sustainable livelihoods for artisans and provide younger generations with opportunities to understand, respect and carry forward cultural traditions. He described the festival as a catalyst for intercultural dialogue, fostering appreciation and understanding among diverse communities, according to an update.
Abu Metha, speaking on behalf of the organisers and citizens, thanked the tourists and participants, especially the chief guest, and said Mullen’s presence would “internationalise the festival.” He said Nagas share one aspiration—to achieve real peace, respect and honour—and highlighted the significant contributions of eastern Nagas in both the national movement and statehood. He urged all tribes to understand the developmental gaps in the eastern districts and support their growth, stating that division only weakens the community.
Mehta said the Hornbill Festival edition in Mon would continue to expand in the coming years, noting that hosting the event in the eastern region aims to generate opportunities and employment at the grassroots, allowing communities to directly benefit from the tourism economy. He added that cultural troupes remain the core strength of the festival, as tourists are drawn to the culture, heritage and history of the people.
The day featured a cultural extravaganza organised by the department of Art and Culture under the theme “Cultural Connect”. Cultural troupes from Tangnyu, Wanching, Loung, Tamkoang, Chen area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Bung, Langmeang, Nokyan, and troupes representing the Phom, Ao and Tenyimia communities performed, along with the Wancho Fusion Crew and a troupe from Assam.
An indigenous tug of war competition was also held among 11 wards of Mon town for both men and women, organised by the Department of DUDA in collaboration with the Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge.”