Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Ireland, Raymond Mullen addressing during the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025, at Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon on December 9. (DIPR Photo)
Mon, December 9 (MExN): The second day of the International Hornbill Festival's Mon edition was hosted at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon with Raymond Mullen, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Ireland, attending as the chief guest.
Local MLA and Chairman of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Y Mankhao Konyak, was the host of the day. The occasion was also attended by Abu Mehta, Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland; Kupu Shohe, Chairman of the Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation; Theja Meru, Chairman of Task Force for Music & Arts; Obed Quinker, Chairman of the Nagaland Honey Mission; and Wanphong Konyak, Chairperson of the Bio Resource Mission.
In his address, Raymond Mullen expressed gratitude for being part of the festival and appreciated the rich culture and traditions of the Konyak community. He stated that such celebrations inspire creativity and aid in cultural preservation, stated a DIPR report.
Host Y Mankhao Konyak, in his welcome address, described the festival as a platform to showcase cultural heritage, foster unity, and promote tourism.
Konyak highlighted a recent government milestone—the documentation of traditional attire released on Statehood Day, December 1, in Kohima. He announced the government's readiness to initiate research on traditional culture and ornaments for preservation.
He urged the gathering to use the festival to nurture sustainable livelihoods for artisans and to engage the youth in carrying forward cultural heritage. He added that the event should act as a “catalyst for intercultural dialogue.”
Advisor Abu Mehta highlighted the contributions of Eastern Nagas in the state's history and urged other tribes to understand and support the development of the eastern districts. He called for Naga unity, stating division weakens the community, and assured that the Mon edition of the festival will expand in coming years.
He noted the festival's aim to generate grassroots opportunities and employment, ensuring local communities benefit from tourism. Mehta also underscored that cultural troupes are the core strength of the festival, attracting visitors through heritage, and urged the public to safeguard their traditions.
A cultural extravaganza under the theme "Cultural Connect" was organised by the state's Department of Art and Culture. Performances were presented by troupes including Tangnyu, Wanching, Loung, Tamkoang, Chen area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang, Nokyan, Phom, Ao, Tenyimia, Wancho Fusion Crew, and a troupe from Assam.
Additionally, an indigenous game of Tug of War was organised by the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) in collaboration with the Konyak Union. The event, themed "Heritage Challenge," saw participation from 11 wards of Mon Town in both male and female categories.
