Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, C.L. John addressing the second day of the Chega Gaadi/Lamsim Ngyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival held at Beikingpuichak, District Headquarter, Peren on October 30.
Peren, October 30 (MExN): The second day of the Chega Gaadi/Lamsim Ngyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 brought together the Zeliang and Yimkhuing communities at Beikingpuichak, Peren district headquarters, on October 30, with calls for greater unity, cultural preservation and stronger inter-tribal relationships.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, C.L. John, attended the celebration as the Special Guest, while President of the Yimkhuing Tribal Council, Throngso Yimkhuing, was the Tribal Guest. The programme was hosted by Peren Town Council Chairperson, Mireulung Sephe.
Addressing the gathering, John said festivals provide an important platform for cultural exchange, social integration and strengthening brotherhood among communities, bringing people together beyond differences of tribe and language.
He said the participation of different tribes in the Mini Hornbill Festival reflected the spirit of Naga unity and collective identity. With modernization changing traditional ways of life, he stressed the need to preserve cultural heritage as a means of safeguarding Naga identity and strengthening social bonds.
He also suggested inviting Zeliangrong communities from other states to future editions of the festival to strengthen unity and solidarity within the community.
Referring to the annual Hornbill Festival in Kohima, John said the event had helped showcase Nagaland's cultural heritage to visitors from across the world and bring recognition to the state. He appreciated the organisers and participants for making the Mini Hornbill Festival a platform for cultural preservation.
Calling upon the Zeliang community to set aside differences, forgive one another and strengthen relationships, he urged the people to embrace togetherness and work towards collective progress.
John also described Peren district headquarters as one of the best-planned district headquarters in Nagaland and stressed the need to properly implement its master plan. He called for increased tree plantation to promote a greener environment, ecological balance and a healthy climate.
Speaking on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, Peren Town Council Chairperson Mireulung Sephe said traditional festivals reflected the cultural heritage, identity and unity of communities. He said they also reminded people of their responsibility to preserve the wisdom and traditions inherited from their forefathers.
Sephe stated that modernization and development must go hand in hand with cultural preservation, observing that culture forms the foundation of identity while unity remains the strength of collective progress. He encouraged the younger generation to take pride in their heritage and carry traditional values forward.
He added that festivals strengthen friendship, harmony and brotherhood among communities and inspire people to work towards a peaceful, united and prosperous Nagaland.
In his address, Yimkhuing Tribal Council President Throngso Yimkhuing said festivals went beyond traditional dances, songs and attire, reflecting the history, identity, values and way of life of a community. He said traditional celebrations bring people together through thanksgiving, purification, feasting and sharing, while strengthening friendship, promoting peace and renewing commitments to unity.
Highlighting the common cultural roots and social values shared by Naga tribes despite differences in language and customs, he said cultural diversity was not a barrier to unity but one of the greatest strengths of the Naga people. He appreciated the state government's initiative in bringing communities together through the Hornbill and Mini Hornbill festivals, stating that such celebrations had helped foster closer cultural and emotional ties among tribes.
Yimkhuing also said invitations extended to other communities during important occasions signified trust, friendship and a willingness to share aspirations and challenges. While acknowledging that misunderstandings and disagreements were part of every society, he cautioned against allowing minor differences to weaken relationships built over generations.
He called for patience, dialogue, mutual respect and understanding in resolving differences, expressing hope that the friendship between the Zeliang and Yimkhuing communities would serve as an example for other Naga tribes.
The celebration featured cultural presentations by Poilwa Village and the Yimkhuing tribe, showcasing their traditional dances, customs and heritage.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by NZPO President Zandi Domta, followed by the declaration of the festival by Kaidauping Bring. John made the declaration of Nziangdui/Zeigichang. The programme was compered by Paukizon, while Liangmai Council Nagaland President Shilu Nchang delivered the vote of thanks.
