Minister CL John launches Hornbill Festival Extension in Zunheboto

DIMAPUR — The 2nd edition of the Hornbill Festival Extension 2025 commenced in Zunheboto on December 4 with Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, gracing the event as the special guest.

The three-day festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people through traditional performances, indigenous games, and various cultural activities, a DIPR report stated.

Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Picto Shohe, was also present at the inaugural programme.

In his address, the minister recalled his first visit to Zunheboto during the Ahuna Festival in 2009 and expressed happiness for being a frequent visitor since then.

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He thanked the organisers for successfully hosting the event and expressed delight at witnessing various traditional games and cultural activities of the Sumis.

John stressed the importance of overcoming tribalism and encouraged the development of Nagamese as a common dialect for better communication and unity among the Nagas. He asserted that a shared dialect and literature would help connect Nagas across different regions and reaffirmed that unity can be strengthened through a common dialect as well as through Christian values.

He also noted that the presence of multiple organisations has fragmented Naga society over time. He also affirmed that the Hornbill Festival symbolises Nagas without borders coming together as one community.

He emphasised that people from all denominations and religions participate in the festival, and this inclusivity fosters unity and prayer. He further clarified that celebrating the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is because Nagas celebrate festival throughout the year and hornbill represents all Naga festivals combined, making it truly the “Festival of Festivals.”

The minister urged the public to avoid unnecessary conflicts, adding that if the Nagas could have end the practice of headhunting in the past, “we can certainly overcome smaller issues today.”

He encouraged the Sümi community to take the lead as an ambassador of Naga unity since they share borders with many other Naga tribes in the state.

The Minister expressed hope that the Hornbill Extension at Zunheboto will continue to grow stronger and more vibrant in the years to come.

Speaking on the occasion, Khehoshe H Yeptho, president of the NPF Zunheboto division, appreciated the state government for initiating the Hornbill Extension programme in the district.

He also emphasised the significance of rediscovering and preserving Naga traditions through platforms like the Hornbill Festival.

The event was hosted by Akavi Chophy, content creator and Hikali Achumi, Miss Nagaland 2022, and executive member of SYO.

The session was chaired by Ino Ghuvika Yeptho, vice president of the Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO).

Day-1 showcased an exciting line-up of competitions that attracted enthusiastic participation, including Apukhu Kiti and street arm wrestling. The first segment of the Sümi love song competition added a musical highlight to the event.

The evening concluded with the second part of the Sümi love song competition, featuring performances by Vivi V Yepthomi and The Boho Singer and Vikiyeto Noel.