The author Dr. Tatongkala with Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister during her book launch.
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 9 (MExN): A book exploring the cultural and political dimensions of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland was launched on Thursday by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and chairman of the Investments and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).
Titled "The Hornbill Festival: Culture, Tradition and Identity," the book is authored by Dr. Tatongkala, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Tetso College. The launch event, held in Dimapur, was chaired by Dr. Nouzhienino Peseyie, head of the psychology department at Tetso College, and attended by representatives of various community organizations, including Longkhum Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Longkhum Kaketshir Telongjem Dimapur, Longjang Senso Telongjem Dimapur, and Longjang Kaketshir Telongjem Dimapur.
Published by Heritage Publishing House, the book is described as the first academic research work on the Hornbill Festival. In a publisher’s note, Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir, chief editor of Heritage Publishing House, highlighted the book’s significance in analyzing the cultural spectacle and identity politics surrounding the festival.
Metha, speaking as the special guest, commended Dr. Tatongkala for her research and expressed gratitude to the publisher for supporting the work. He underscored the transformative impact of the Hornbill Festival on Nagaland, calling it the state’s most well-known intellectual property and an important medium for showcasing Naga identity.
“Hornbill Festival is one way to push Naga identity,” Metha said. “I hope this book will create new narratives, educate, and open new doors.” He also urged Nagas to document and share their stories to preserve cultural heritage.
Dr. Tatongkala described her book as the culmination of years of research that was both challenging and rewarding. Noting the lack of academic studies on the festival, she said she hopes her work will serve as a reference for researchers and scholars while promoting cultural awareness.
The event concluded with a dedicatory prayer by Pastor Imnatoshi Longkumer of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), followed by a felicitation by Longjanglar Telongjem Dimapur.
