Minister CL John addressing the Ngada-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2025 at Tseminyu on November 28.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 28
The Rengma community has celebrated the Ngada-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2025 at Tseminyu on November 27 to 28 under the aegis of Rengma Hoho in collaboration with Tourism Department, Nagaland.
Gracing Day-2 celebration as the special guest, Nagaland’s Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister, CL John, emphasized how the festival, once strictly rooted in tribal traditions, has transformed through the coming of Christianity-today celebrated in unity, peace and coexistence.
John observed that despite Nagaland’s rich cultural mosaic of languages and rituals, unity remains an ongoing struggle.
He cautioned that the divisions and “isms” within the Naga society hinder true peace. Only when these divisions are overcome, he said, can coexistence and harmony flourish. Touching on the “Festival of Festivals,” he praised the vision of the Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, noting that it has allowed the world to recognize Nagas and their culture on the global map.
Calling for faith-centered community life, John encouraged the gathering to keep Christianity at the core, as it is a foundation for unity and reconciliation.
He highlighted the blessings enjoyed by the Rengma people—their advantageous location, natural resources, and community strengths—and urged them to be peacemakers among other tribes.
Unity, he stressed, is not the responsibility of a few leaders but of every Naga, and each individual must contribute to its realization.
Also addressing the gathering, MLA Ar Jwenga Seb, acknowledged the vibrancy of Ngada and reaffirmed the commitment of the government and community to support and uplift indigenous traditions.
Thejao Vihienuo, President, Angami Public Organization and Dr Vihuto Asumi, President, Sümi Hoho shared Ngada greetings and encouraged the Rengma community to continue preserving their cultural heritage while strengthening bonds with other Naga tribes.
Rengma Hoho President Er Tesinlo Semy highlighted the significance of Ngada as a festival rooted in thanksgiving and harmony, reminding the gathering that the celebration represents the collective identity and resilience of the Rengma community.
The programme was chaired by Timothy Thong, Vice President, Rengma Hoho while vote of thanks was proposed by Hanenmu Semy, Vice President, Rengma Hoho.
The two-day festival featured folk songs and dances and concluded with Ngada feast.
