State-level Kala Utsav celebrated in Kohima

DIMAPUR — Samagra Shiksha Nagaland (SSN) successfully organised the state-level Kala Utsav 2025–26 at Mt. Tabor Retreat Centre in Kohima on October 24.

Kala Utsav, a flagship programme of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSE&L), Ministry of Education (MoE), aims to foster and showcase the artistic talent of the student of secondary stage. The event celebrated the spirit of creativity, artistic excellence and cultural heritage — echoing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the integration of arts and culture into the educational framework.

An update from SSN stated that the inaugural programme was chaired by its joint mission director, Dr. Chumbeni Kikon, who highlighted the importance of Kala Utsav as a platform for nurturing aesthetic and creative sensibilities among students.

Delivering the keynote address, state mission director L Jamithung Lotha stated that the initiative was to provide students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively, while strengthening their understanding and appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.

The special guest and joint secretary of School Education and deputy project director of Nagaland Education Project (NECTAR), Avelu Ruho, has commended the participating students and teachers for their dedication and creativity. She encouraged the youth to preserve their indigenous art forms and oral traditions, reminding them that culture is not merely a performance but a living legacy that connects generations.

She also highlighted the importance of linking culture with education as a means of fostering pride in local heritage.

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It stated that the state-level Kala Utsav witnessed participation of 79 students representing various districts of Nagaland, each showcasing exceptional talent in seven art categories— ranging from visual arts and traditional crafts to storytelling, folk music and theatre.

It added that the competition offered a vibrant space for students to express themselves through art and culture, blending creativity with a sense of identity and belonging.

In the 2D visual arts competition, Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, was declared winner, while in 3D visual arts competition, Government Higher Secondary School, Chozuba, was declared winner and in 2D/3D indigenous toys and games/ local crafts, Hovishe Government High School, Zunheboto, was declared winner.

In traditional storytelling, Whetstone High, Mokokchung, was declared winner, while in regional folk dance, Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, was declared winners.

In the regional folk vocal music competition, Hollotoli Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, was declared winner, while in theatre competition, Sancho School, Wokha, was declared winner.

It mentioned that the participating students displayed deep cultural understanding and creativity through their presentations— from captivating traditional dance performances and soulful folk songs to intricate visual art displays and thought-provoking theatrical acts.

Meanwhile, it informed that winners of the state-level Kala Utsav 2025–26 would represent Nagaland at the national-level Kala Utsav 2025. It stated that the national event would bring together young artistes from across the country to showcase their cultural expressions and share their creative interpretations of India’s unity in diversity.