In the excitement of celebrating the Hornbill Festival, we are unintentionally hurting the very generation we hope to build.
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Inspired by Pastor Avilie Punyii, Bethel Baptist Church, Kohima
Hornbill Festival is one of the greatest moments in our state’s calendar a time when the hills echo with music, our dances come alive, and the world witnesses the beauty of the Naga people. It is colourful, vibrant, and full of life. But because I love my people deeply… because my heart longs for a healthier Nagaland… I must speak with honesty, courage, and compassion.
Not to condemn. Not to judge. But to love, protect, and uplift my people.
A Festival Meant for Celebration… but Now Asking for Reflection
Hornbill begins with rituals that represent our ancient culture. For some, it is a performance; for others, a reminder of where we came from. But the real question is not about rituals, it is about the direction of our hearts as a society.
Our ancestors have blessed us with values that are treasures: respect for elders, hospitality towards strangers, hard work, honesty, bravery, purity, and dignity. When we follow these, we shine. These are the qualities that made the Naga soul unique.
Yet, with pain in my heart, I say this:
In the excitement of celebration, we are unintentionally hurting the very generation we hope to build.
Alcohol, Addiction, and a Silent Wound
In the name of “tradition,” we have allowed alcohol to become the centre of celebration. But alcohol does not carry our culture our ancestors carried culture without it.
Today, many young people take their first drink during Hornbill.
A first sip becomes a slow chain. A chain becomes bondage. And bondage becomes brokenness.
Behind the bright lights and colourful stalls, there are silent tears, families struggling, youth falling, relationships breaking.
This is not the Nagaland we pray for.
The Festival Environment Is Drawing Our Youth toward Immorality
With a heavy heart, but out of love, I say this clearly:
Hornbill Festival is slowly becoming a ground where sexual activities and unsafe behaviours are silently encouraged.
This is not imagination.
This is the quiet truth many parents whisper.
When condoms are distributed openly, it means we expect immorality. It means we are preparing for it. It means we have accepted it instead of guiding our children toward purity.
Too many young girls return home in tears.
Too many boys carry guilt for months.
Too many lives are altered because of moments born not from love, but from temptation.
This is not culture.
This is not celebration.
This is not the identity of a Christian-majority state.
And this is not the future we want for the children of Nagaland.
A Cry of Love for My People
Hornbill was created with beautiful intentions: unity, culture, pride, entrepreneurship, and joy. I honour the hard work of the organisers who have built something magnificent.
But love also requires truth.
If something beautiful is slowly hurting our youth, we cannot stay silent.
If something meant to unite is opening doors to addiction and immorality, we must speak.
If something born from goodwill is becoming unsafe for families, we must rethink.
Not out of anger. Not out of hatred. But out of love.
Love for our children. Love for our future. Love for Nagaland.
We Need a Festival That Looks Like the Heart of Nagaland
A festival where parents feel safe. Where children learn, laugh, and play. Where culture is celebrated without compromise. Where values shine brighter than spotlights.
Where music lifts the spirit, not lowers the morals. Where unity strengthens us instead of weakening us. Where families walk together without fear of what lies in the darkness.
Nagaland Can Do Better Because Our People Deserve Better
We do not need to copy the world to attract a crowd.
Nagaland has enough beauty, enough dignity, enough strength in its culture and faith to inspire the world.
Let us rebuild Hornbill with programmes that uplift, not destroy. Let us protect our youth with love, not silence. Let us celebrate without losing ourselves. Let us shine without compromising who we are.
In the Spirit of Love, Inspired by Pastor Avilie
Pastor Avilie always reminds us: “Truth spoken in love can save a generation.”
So with a heart full of love for my people, I say:
Let us return the Hornbill Festival to its purpose: unity, purity, joy, and honour.
Let us remove the elements that lead our people to addiction, temptation, and brokenness.
Let us create a Hornbill Festival where every tribe stands tall, every family feels safe, and every child walks with hope.
This is not about rules. This is about love. Love for our people. Love for our land. Love for the generations yet to come.
If we act with love today, Nagaland will rise much stronger tomorrow.
Pele George
Author (Let the Broken Lead)