Morung Express News Mokokchung | July 18 The Mini Hornbill Festival as reported earlier will kick off from Mokokchung in August clubbed with Tsüngremmong, a premier festival of the Ao Nagas. Dubbed “Tsüngremmong Hornbill Festival,” it will be celebrated under the theme ‘Celebrating Our Roots’ from August 1 to 3 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sachin Jaiswal, who is also the chairperson of the Mini Hornbill Festival in the district, addressed the media here today at his office chamber and divulged the details of the festival.
The Mini Hornbill Festival, which is a programme of the State government, was initially proposed to be held during Moatsü festival but had to be reconsidered owing to the parliamentary bye-elections then. On the purpose of organizing the Tsüngremmong Hornbill Festival, Jaiswal said that it was the government’s policy to popularize and showcase the cultural diversity and heritage of each district in the State. The main event of the festival will be held on August 2 where the state Chief Minister will be the special guest. He also said that “some union ministers” are also expected to join the Chief Minister in the festival.
The highlights of the festival, which he said was going to be an annual event, would include performances by cultural troupes from the six ranges or ‘Tsükong’ under Mokokchung district who will be joined by troupes from neighbouring Sangtam and Sumi areas, indigenous games and sports to be initiated by AKM, a cookery contest to be initiated by Watsü Mungdang, an “Ao singing competition,” a display of ethnic wear and jewelry and tug-of-war, among others. It will also feature a traditional vine pulling ceremony called ‘arr atsüba’.
Cultural troupes from neighbouring districts of Assam as well as the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) along with the DC and SP of Jorhat and Sibasagar districts are also expected to join the festival. It was also stated that a motorsport event and an angling event will be held simultaneously as part of the Tsüngremmong Hornbill Festival. Another highlight of the festival will be a six-a-side barefoot football tournament as well as a “music and dance” extravaganza on August 3 evening.
Spearhead Motorsports Initiative will organize the motorsport event at Longkhum village on August 2-3, while the Angling Festival will be held at Süngkotenem lake, Mopungchuket village.
