A cultural troupe participating at the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2025 in the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kisama | December 9
Cultural troupes from across Nagaland, participating in the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2025 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama have emphasised the event’s role in preserving tradition and fostering unity, despite long journeys and modest accommodations.
Several representatives highlighted the extensive travel undertaken by their groups and called for greater promotion of traditional practices over commercial elements at the festival, which concludes on December 10.
Inushe Assumi, representing the Sumi Cultural Troupe from Ghokimi Village under Zunheboto District, said that participating in the Hornbill Festival without cultural performances and troupes would be incomplete. Sharing his experience, he noted that the journey to Kisama covers over 90 km and their 50-member team arrived on November 30. They will remain at the festival till December 10.
According to Assumi, the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland, has arranged their accommodation at the dormitory in Phesama and provided all necessary support, including transportation and lodging. “We did not have to practice much as we already have an active cultural club in our village,” he shared.
Assumi added that the water facilities and accommodation are satisfactory, though they naturally cannot expect the comforts of home.
“We are happy so far. This festival helps us unite, and we hope it continues to grow. Culture is our identity. As a Christian state, we should reflect our values. Instead of promoting commercial alcohol, we should highlight our indigenous rice beer, which is part of our tradition. Serving alcohol gives a negative image of our state,” he remarked.
Atsumong K representing Tikhir from Kiphire, stated that their troupe began their journey on the morning of November 29 and reached Kohima the next day after travelling nearly 300 km.
“We are housed here at Kisama along with our 50 members. The government has informed us that they will reimburse all our expenses, including food, accommodation and transportation,” he said.
Calling the Hornbill Festival Nagaland’s biggest cultural platform, he added, “We need to bring more people in the future. Importantly our cook, and we practiced for about four months to prepare for this event.”
Konyak representative Alei Wanghra shared that their troupe practiced for more than two months before attending the festival. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Nagaland for its support, including reimbursement of expenses.
They are currently accommodated at the Council Hall at Kigwema. “We have no major issues here. The hall is spacious, and all basic amenities such as water are available from firewood and food, everything is arranged as expected, and the Kigwema youth are serving food to us,” he said.
The troupe travelled from Mon district via two NST buses requisitioned by the department, covering over 300 km. The journey took two days to reach Kohima. “We have two dormitories—one for men and one for women,” he added.
