Naga cultural troupe on their arrival for cultural performances at 25th edition of Hornbill Festival 2024 at Naga Heritage Village Kisama. The Department of Art & Culture, Nagaland presents “Cultural Connect” at the main arena in two sessions at 10: 00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM- 3 00:PM daily. (Morung Photo)
The 25th Hornbill Festival continued its celebrations on Day 2 with an array of cultural performances, diplomatic dialogues, and historical commemorations.
The day began with a cultural extravaganza under the theme "Cultural Connect." A series of traditional performances, presented by various Naga tribes, highlighted the diversity and unity of Nagaland. Each tribe presented dances, songs, and rituals, such as the Angami’s Sozie Pfhe and the Ao's Moatsu Festival re-enactment. Other performances included the Konyak’s war dance, the Mizo’s Bamboo Dance, and the Lotha’s ancient war traditions. The festivities were attended by dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Honored Guest Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs at Reckitt.
Simultaneously, a roundtable discussion gathered representatives from partner countries and states, including Peru and Sikkim, to explore economic, agricultural, and tourism collaborations with Nagaland. Advisor Abu Metha emphasized the need for growth beyond cultural ties, while Ambassador Javier Velarde of Peru highlighted the shared indigenous heritage between Nagaland and Peru. Two MoUs were signed during the event to foster partnerships in education, agriculture, and food processing.
The traditional sports segment of the festival also captivated attendees, with the Hornbill Traditional Shot Put Competition showcasing the athleticism of local tribes.
The World War II Peace Rally commemorated the historic Battle of Kohima. The rally, attended by global dignitaries like Mitchell Theaker of the Welsh Government, emphasized the transformative power of peace. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other leaders reflected on the sacrifices made by the Naga people during the war, reinforcing the importance of peace and unity. The rally concluded with a renewed commitment to global peace and highlighted the legacy of Nagaland’s role in World War II.
17, 588 visitors on Day 2
The second day of the 25th Hornbill Festival 2024 on December 2 registered 17, 588 visitors at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. Out of this, 428 were foreign tourists, 4698 were domestic tourists and 12, 462 were local visitors. So far, the festival witnessed 41, 498 visitors.
