KOHIMA — Inclement weather did not dampen the spirit at the Hornbill Festival in Kisama as participants and visitors alike kept the heritage village alive and kicking with their performances and presence on Thursday.
Unlike previous years, the venue for the cultural performances this year was shifted to the stage at the main arena, instead of the usual open space.
Due to the drizzle and foggy weather, the arterial roads within the village were less crowded and many of the roadside stalls were closed for the day.
Compared to other days, the crowd attendance was also thinner at the festival site on Thursday. The visitors and attendees were clad in warm clothes, wrapped in shawls and huddled under umbrellas, while some took delight in the wintry weather.
The seventh day witnessed tug-of-war semi-finals and finals for both men and women. The Chakhesang tribe won in both the men’s and women’s categories, receiving INR 20000 each. The runners-up were Phom (women’s) and Konyak (men’s), were also awarded INR 15,000 each.
The other semi-finalists in women’s category were Kachari and Pochury, and Rengma and Sumi in men’s category. The four tribes received INR 10000 each.
During the cultural extravaganza, dances, folk songs and traditional games were presented by cultural troupes from the Pochury, Kachari, Lotha, Yimkhung, Zeliang, Sangtam, Rengma, Phom, Sumi, Chang, Kuki, Angami, Tikhir , Ao, Khiamniungan, Garo, Konyak and Chakhesang tribes.
State guests for the seventh day were Deshraju Radhakrishnan, chairman, Forum of Regulators for Eastern and North Eastern states and Anil Arora, regional director, Ministry of Tourism, Guwahati.
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