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People participate in the day one of Angami Sekrenyi Mini-Hornbill festival at Kohima Local Ground on February 25. The celebration will continue till February 27. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 25
A three day Sekrenyi Mini-Hornbill festival got underway here today at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground under the theme “Restoring values.”
Day one event witnessed the presence Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as chief host and Sumi Hoho president Hekhushe Shikhu as Honoured Guest including several dignitaries.
Sekrenyi, also known as ‘Phousanyi' is the premier festival of the Angami Nagas
In introductory note, Kohima deputy commissioner Gregory Thejawelie Sote said that Sekrenyi Mini Hornbill festival provides a platform for showcasing, promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Angamis.
Angami indigenous music, dance, plays, arts, games, food and handloom and handicrafts will be displayed in this three day festival.
He said that each Naga tribes has their own distinct culture and tradition.
With a view to provide equal opportunity to all the tribes in promoting their cultural heritage and to showcase their local products that are distinct and diverse, the state government has initiated the celebration of Hornbill festival in all the districts coinciding with major festival of different tribes of Nagaland.
DC said that this has not only helped inculcate a strong sense of pride in our rich cultural heritage, promoting fraternity and unity among Naga tribes but also much revenue is earned from these festivals thereby giving rise to a sustainable local economy.
He also maintained that Mini Hornbill festivals serve as an opportunity for the social and economic benefits of tourism to percolate to all the districts, making Nagaland tourism real and inclusive.
Tribal festivals contribute to an increase inflow of tourist throughout the year in all the districts, Sote added.
In Thaprii (Fixed jump competition), Rokovi Khawakhrie bagged Ist position while Neithongulie Kuotsu and Vizobeilie Piinyii stood second and third position respectively.
In Kerie- Chatuo (Stilt Bamboo walk), Sedesii Thami emerged first position while Kevisilhu Meyase of and Kekrozaki Rate stood 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
Thepfusohie Kuotsu, Visilhou Chiisi and Ruokuosetuo Khezhie bagged first, second and third position respectively in Mepfii Kemetsa (War Cry competition).
Northern Angami Sports Association bagged first position in Kero Keteshii (Tug of war) while Southern Angami Sports Association stood second position.
Earlier, Western Angami Youth Organization, Lidi Kroko, Southern Angami Cultural Society and Viswema elders performed at the inaugural session.
Rev. Tsolie Chase, pastor Khonoma Baptist Church prayed for the programme while vote of thanks was proposed by Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) administrator Kovi Meyase.
Zakie Khate, Vilakuolie Mere and Riivuotuonuo Ruth Vizo compered the function.
On second day (February 26), stalls will be opened at 12:00 noon while cultural extravaganza will commence at 5:00 PM which will be marked by traditional song (Angami) competition, Act: “Themia Puo Kelhou” and Traditional & Ethnic Designer show.
Thinuokhrielie Yaotsu, proprietor M/s T Albert Angami & CO will be the special guest.
Special appearance will be made by FBB Colors Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018 Ruopfüzhano Whiso, Miss Nagaland 2019 Vikuonuo Sachü and Mr Kohima 2019 Kevingunyii Mere.
Meanwhile, in greetings note received here, Temjen Imna Along, minister for higher & technical education and tribal affair stated “As the festival is marked by purification and sanctification of the 'body' 'mind' and 'soul' , and also marked the initiation of the 'young' into 'adulthood' , I share their joy in celebrating their ever growing maturity.”
Extending warmest greetings to all, the minister prayed that “this 'Sekrenyi' may renew their hope for all the dreams and visions that they ever aspire for.”
May the festival bring forth positive energies and peace that will be cherish by one and all, he added.
