Sikkim Cultural Troupe performing during the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 6. (DIPR Photo)
Kisama, December 6 (MExN): The Hornbill Festival 2024 continued to celebrate the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nagaland with dynamic performances on its sixth day. Cultural troupes from across the State and beyond showcased their traditions through dances, songs, and rituals, leaving audiences captivated.
The day featured three sessions hosted by prominent dignitaries. The morning session was hosted by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), with A Panjung Jamir, Advisor for Fishery & Aquatic Resources, as the co-host. Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Mizoram, and Kedir AWOL Omar, Head of Regional Delegation, South Asia, ICRC, Geneva, were the honoured guests.
The afternoon session was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, who is also in charge of Home and Border Affairs, with S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, as the co-host. Honoured guests included Director General, AR, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, and Anshu Manish Khalkho, Director (A&F), NHIDCL.
The evening session was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and S Keoshu Yimchunger, with the same guests.
Various Naga cultural troupe displayed traditional plays, songs and music.
Sikkim Cultural Troupe
Sikkim, the official State Partner for the milestone celebration, showcased its rich cultural diversity through captivating performances by the Sikkim Cultural Troupe on December 6. Known for its harmonious blend of tribal, ethnic, and caste groups, Sikkim’s social fabric is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali communities. These indigenous groups, whose lives are shaped by the natural beauty of their mountainous homeland, presented a series of performances reflecting their unique heritage and way of life.
Lepcha Tribe: Tusow Saa Tyangri Naapka – A profound and reflective piece, this performance emphasized the impermanence of both joy and sorrow. It delivered a message of hope, encouraging audiences to find purpose and positivity amid life’s challenges.
Bhutia Tribe: Denzong Charab – Meaning “Beyul” (hidden paradise) and “Cha-rab” (history of the beginning), this spiritual dance traced the origins of Demazong, Sikkim’s sacred land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The performance highlighted the mystical and historical essence of the region.
Nepali Community: Chutkey Naach – A lively and popular folk dance, Chutkey Naach is a celebration of youth and community. Traditionally performed in open spaces during harvests, local fairs, and festivals, the dance exuded joy and unity.
NFGS host mini flower bazaar and competition
As part of the 25th Hornbill Festival, Nagaland Flower Growers Society (NFGS) organised a week-long Mini Flower Bazaar at the Farmers Market near Hotel FIFA, Kohima. The event featured a wide array of fresh cut flowers, presentation bouquets, saplings, potted greens, and seasonal flowering plants for sale, attracting numerous visitors and vendors.
On December 6, prize distribution ceremony for Fresh Flower and Dry Flower competitions was held, where 30 participants showcased their artistic arrangements. Temsunaro Aier, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, IPR and Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, graced the prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest.
In the Dry Flower arrangement category, first position was awarded to Sabino Nakhro, while Meyievino Theluo and Anungla Jamir were awarded second and third positions respectively. Consolation prizes were awarded to Bino Sophie and Pekruvinuo Pienyu.
Dzuvisenuo bagged the first place in Fresh Flower category while Pekruvinuo Pienyu and Anungla Jamir were awarded second and third positions. Consolation prizes were awarded to Yatetinla Ozukum and Meyievino Theluo.
2nd Tribal Go-Karting Competition
As a part of the 25th Hornbill Festival, the 2nd Tribal Go-Karting Competition organised by Tribal Research Institute, Nagaland under Tribal Affairs Department was held at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Road on December 6 with 15 tribes participating in the competition. The Khiamniungan tribe was declared champion while Lotha tribe and Pochury tribe were declared first and second runners-up. All The winners were awarded with certificate and cash prize.
Other competitions
Several competitions were held on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebration & IEC campaign for Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA). It was organised by Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, Department of Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland, and funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. It was organised as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima on December 6.
Chicken Coop making
Participants from 13 tribes took part in the State Level Chicken Coop Making competition held at NSF Solidarity Pak, Kohima on December 6. The competition witnessed the participation of 12 males and one female. Yongkhumse from Sangtam tribe emerged as the winner, while Yemlongchaba from Chang tribe and Lapshaü from Phom tribe won the first and second prizes respectively. The winners were judged based on two criteria – time and quality of craftsmanship.
3rd State-Level Catapult
The 3rd edition of the State-Level Catapult competition was held with the aim to revive the traditional Naga game of catapult shooting. This year’s event saw enthusiastic participation from 30 contestants representing 15 tribes, including Sumi, Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Tikhir, Garo, Zeliang, Yimkhiung, Konyak, Sangtam, Pochury, Phom, Kuki, Lotha, and Rengma. A Shangtok Phom emerged as the champion, while Meso and Yhunsinlo Lorin secured second and third places, respectively. The prizes were handed over by Angelina Tajen, Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department.
Rice Husking competition
The State Level Rice Husking Competition saw the participation of 30 contestants from 15 tribes. They were judged on the quality as well as the quantity of husking the grains. The winners of the competition were Ngapkhao & Ayo (Konyak) at 1st position, A. Soyaü Phom & Hantenhaila (Phom) in 2nd position and Mengzi & Lalam Lenthang (Kuki) placed at 3rd.
