Phom cultural troupe presenting traditional dance at the Prelude to the Hornbill festival held in Agri Expo on November 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 23
The Prelude to the 25th Hornbill kicked off at the Agri Expo ground, Chümoukedima on Saturday, November 23 with a set of indigenous games and sports taking place throughout the day.
Organised by Forerunners in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland, Department of Tourism, the event sets to highlight the State’s cultural and traditional prowess in both the local and international level.
In the opening programme, T Aochuba, Director of Intanki National Park and a patron of the event stated the Hornbill festival is a celebration which embodies the soul and spirit of the Nagaland. “This moment marks not only the beginning of the festivities but a testament to the vibrant culture, traditions and unity of the people,” he said.
As a prelude to the main Hornbill festival, he reminded the people of the need to embrace the essence of the diverse and unique cultural identities of our people. “Let this prelude inspire us to honour our roots, to preserve our rich legacy and to share it with the outside world,” he added.
Further mentioning that, each performance, story and gesture during this festival is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Naga people.
A traditional display of dance and musketry firepower was showcased by the Phom cultural troupe as a foretaste of what is in store during the main event at Kisama.
The day’s event included, traditional bamboo stilt race (100 meters), bamboo climbing, king chili and pork eating competition along with a tug of war for men.
In the evening, an extravaganza of fashion show display, music and EDM night took place at the same venue. The fashion show featured a ‘Tribute Runway,’ honouring past and current Naga beauty queens from the late 1980s to today.
Meanwhile rounding up the prelude, veteran Indian pop and classical music group Bombay Vikings took to the stage along with DJ Kaos Kitten from Russia and other notable local artists.
