Officials along with the participants during the District-level Youth Festival 2026 held on September 14 at the Cultural Hall in Shamator. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, September 14 (MExN): District-level Youth Festivals 2026 were held in Chümoukedima, Longleng, Shamator and Noklak, showcasing the talents, creativity and cultural heritage of young participants.
Chümoukedima: The festival, organised by the District Youth Resources and Sports Office, was held on September 12 at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Competitions included Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation.
District Youth Resources and Sports Officer (DYRSO) Wutsutho said Folk Song and Folk Dance performances would be video recorded for evaluation, with participants from all 17 districts to be assessed and the best eight selected for the state level. Results will be declared on September 17. The state-level competition is scheduled from September 28 to 30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Vungi Nzanta Cultural Club (VNCC) won both Folk Song and Folk Dance, while Thejatsinuo Sanchu and Yimtisenla won the Declamation competition.
Longleng: The festival was held on September 12 at Yingli College. DYRSO Kenongoto Thokhwe highlighted its significance and objectives, while Vice Principal Dr B Henshet Phom spoke on preserving traditional knowledge, cultural expressions and indigenous heritage.
Competitions were held in Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation. The programme was chaired by Mhasinuo Rio and concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Manggai H Phom. Chuthei Phom presented a special number.
Shamator: The festival was held on September 14 at the Cultural Hall. Competitions included Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation.
Christian High School won Folk Song, followed by Shamator College. Government Higher Secondary School won Folk Dance, followed by Christian High School. Sunso and Berimong, both from Shamator College, secured first and second positions respectively in Declamation.
The programme included an invocation by Thulunsori of Shamator Town Baptist Church, a welcome address by H Chuba Yimchunger, and a vote of thanks by Imtikumba, LDA, Youth Resources and Sports, Tuensang.
Noklak: The festival was held on September 14 at White Hall, Noklak village, under the theme "Youth, Skill and a Self-Reliant Nagaland".
GHSS Noklak won Folk Song, followed by GHS Noklak village, while GHSS Noklak and Thang Students' Union (TSU) secured first and second positions in Folk Dance. St Paul School, Noklak, won Declamation, with GHSS Noklak and TSU securing the second position.
Participants from GHSS Noklak, GHS Noklak village, St Paul School and TSU took part. The winners will represent the district at the state level.
District Sports Officer, Tuensang, Athrong Yimchunger, encouraged students to showcase their talent and heritage, stressing participation, learning from mistakes and healthy competition.
