KOHIMA: A striking Irish public art installation titled ‘Danu’ is on display at the Kisama Heritage Village during the Hornbill Festival 2025, bringing a unique blend of mythology, craftsmanship and cultural symbolism to festival visitors.
Created by Irish artists Lisa Sweeney, Richard Babington and Johnny O’Reilly, along with Indian artist Sanjib Saha, the installation draws inspiration from the Celtic figure Danu, representing themes of motherhood, resilience and strength. The design also incorporates motifs linked to Ireland’s ancient seasonal festivals and traditions associated with Brigid, one of Ireland’s female patron saints.
First exhibited in Kolkata, the artwork was crafted using iron, wood, bamboo and fabric, with a small pool of water at its base to evoke Danu’s deep connection to rivers and the life-giving force of water. The piece also features St. Brigid’s Cross, symbolizing protection and blessing.
Supported by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Culture Ireland, and Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Kolkata, the installation marks a notable cultural collaboration.
‘Danu’ is being showcased at Hornbill Festival 2025 in partnership with the Government of Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA).
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Meanwhile, Kohima College organized an international public lecture on Ireland and the Empire, bringing together scholars, students, and dignitaries for an insightful academic exchange at Kohima College in Kohima today. The event, hosted by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland, featured Professor Jane Ohlmeyer of Trinity College Dublin as the resource person. Dr. Eunice Alinger of the Department of History, Kohima College moderated the programme. Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome graced the occasion.
Irish Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, who attended the lecture, thanked the people of Nagaland for their warm welcome during the Hornbill Festival and highlighted Ireland’s cultural engagements, including performances by an Irish group and the installation of the Celtic statue Danu. He added that Nagas, like the Irish, seek peaceful solutions today. Addressing recent attacks on Indian nationals in Ireland, he condemned the incidents as shocking and unrepresentative, reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to the safety and dignity of its Indian community.
In her lecture, Professor Ohlmeyer explored Ireland’s historical relationship with the British Empire, describing it as both a colony and a contributor to imperial expansion. She discussed how Ireland became a “laboratory of empire,” influencing colonial practices later applied in India, and highlighted the significant presence of Irish administrators and soldiers in British India. She also traced connections between Irish and Indian nationalist movements, noting how strategies such as boycotts influenced Mahatma Gandhi. Further, she expressed hope that the collaboration between Ireland and Nagaland would grow more in future.
Principal Dr. Vitsosie Vüprü thanked the Embassy for its collaboration and shared the history of the college and the courses it offers. The programme concluded with a short interaction session.
