DIMAPUR — A three-day Unity Mini Hornbill
Festival 2024 got underway at DC’s office complex in Peren on Thursday with the
deputy commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, as the special guest of the inaugural
function.
In his address, Meru said festivals are an integral part of
human culture, which provides a platform in bringing people together to
celebrate, rejoice and connect with one another. He said such events showcase
the rich diversity of traditions, customs and values that defines the communities.
He mentioned that festivals play a crucial role in
preserving cultural heritage as they often revolve around traditional
practices, music, dance and art. He added that through festivals, communities
showcase their rich cultural diversity, share their stories and pass on to
future generations.
Meru said the Unity Mini Hornbill Festival is being
organised with an intention to bring various communities of Peren closer and
expressed his happiness to see the participation from the various tribal hohos
and civil society organisations.
The DC also inaugurated the exhibition stalls and flower
show competition.
The chief host of the event and president of Kuki Inpi
Nagaland (KIN), L Singsit, called upon the public to respect each other’s
culture and tradition in order to see development in the district.
He also appealed to the gathering to maintain the greenness
of the district as well as move forward in unison by shouldering the burden
together instead of finding out small differences.
The first day of the festival witnessed captivating cultural
performances by Ngaulo cultural troupe, Liangmai cultural troupe, Rongmei
traditional troupe and Inbung village cultural troupe.
Folk songs were also presented by Heiraisile, Lunghingdaile
and Namguihingle.
In the afternoon session, tug-of-war and indigenous games
competition were also organised.
