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Kohima: Day 2 of the 25th Hornbill Festival saw the inaugural program of the cultural extravaganza from the different tribes of Nagaland with the theme “Cultural Connect.” The event, hosted by T.R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland in charge of Planning & Transformation, Nagaland, and co-hosted by G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources, featured Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, South Asia, Reckitt, as the honored guest.
The cultural performances are a key highlight of the Hornbill Festival, with all the troupes showcasing various traditional dances and songs that celebrate the rich heritage of Nagaland. Additionally, each tribe will present one commemorative performance on different days throughout the festival, highlighting the uniqueness of their traditions. A winner will be announced at the festival’s conclusion.
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The highlights of Tribal Cultural Performances included the Angami Cultural Troupe presented Sozie Pfhe, a folk song inspired by the bird Sozie, performed during the Sekrenyi festival, and the Ao Cultural Troupe delivered a commemorative performance featuring the final rituals of the Moatsu Festival, showcasing communal harmony through traditional songs and games like Aar Atsütepba (tug-of-war).
The Chang Cultural Troupe portrayed the process of Sangsang Yamli (Creation of a new village) through symbolic rituals and chants followed by the Chakhesang Cultural Troupe, where they delivered Kole (Unity Song), symbolizing communal harmony and consensus in traditional decision-making.
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The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe performed Mongkao Kum, a welcoming dance for special guests, and the Mizo Cultural Troupe performed the intricate Cheraw Dance, also known as the Bamboo Dance, and Sarlamkai, a warrior dance celebrating victories, followed by the Garo Cultural Troupe, demonstrated Jaktong Sika, a traditional game of strength.
Konyak Cultural Troupe presented Sang Pu Hem, a folk song celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hornbill Festival, and the Lotha Cultural Troupe re-enacted Ritso Sharü (War Dance), depicting ancient war traditions followed by the Kachari Cultural Troupe, where they performed Majangdini, a heartfelt folk song about love and longing.
Phom Cultural Troupe and Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented Üngo Jala, a woman’s work song inspired by the calls of the bird Üngo, and Sang Athrong Khün, a bravery song celebrating the victory of warriors, respectively. The Sumi Cultural Troupe performed Aphilo Kuwo, a warrior dance of thanksgiving and celebration.
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Zeliang Cultural Troupe and Tikhir Cultural Troupe delivered Luisunbo, a melodic folk song expressing love and emotions, and Tsonglak Tsin, a dance symbolizing the sanctification of war weapons, respectively. The morning cultural program concluded with the Kuki Cultural Troupe, showcasing Kangchong Kap (Top Game), a traditional competition of skill and precision.
The afternoon session of the Cultural Extravagance from the Tribes of Nagaland under the theme of “Cultural Connect” was hosted by Minister, PHE, Jacob Zhimomi along with his Co-host Advisor, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan. The event began with a presentation of the Tmangra Lin (Fly Dance) by the Zeliang Cultural Troupe which the youth folk perform to flashback the vivid and luxurious life of a fly during harvesting season.
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Lenchongghoi La- Folklore by the Kuki Cultural Troupe depicted the story of how seven brothers failed to rescue their sister from the hand of an extraordinary man- Khalvompu. The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented a commemorative performance about merry-making with loved and dear ones, while the Rimin Nelaiba, a traditional game, was showcased by the Kachari Cultural Troupe, which is played during social gatherings by the Dimasas.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe presented a local love song, Lumaiti, followed by a demonstration of Cheloche (Cock Fight) performed by the Sumi Cultural Troupe, which is a game that tests not only physical strength but also encourages strategic thinking and agility.
Khὒling Kyaba, a Pangram beans game, was performed by the Sangtam Cultural Troupe, which is an indigenous game that is played only among girls and women. The Rengma Cultural Troupe sang a traditional folksong called Mapi Ghi Khwi.
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Jujutsong, a festival dance was performed by the Pochury Cultural Troupe which is a dance performed at their premier festival, Chanyathaku. Pangyenla (Yarn Spinning) was demonstrated by the Phom Cultural Troupe which is a traditional way of spinning cotton into yarn.
The Lotha Cultural Troupe presented Eramoren Poni Nzanta Khen, a couples’ folk love. Weehok Ok Yang E Lokpu Hei Weetangpu, a traditional dance, was enacted by the Konyak Cultural Troupe. The Ao Cultural Troupe performed a folk song composed by the troupe leader of Watemdong Cultural Club, Ungma, Limayanger Jamir Tatar, as a tribute to the 25th Hornbill Festival, and the Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe performed Hoiyie Zui, a folk song sung at the end of the year when the harvest is done, and all fieldwork is completed.
Chupri Hoo was performed by the Chakhesang Cultural Troupe which is a song of cultivating foxtail millet which is closely tied to the traditional practice of Jhum cultivation. Anching Re’ Re, a folk song, was performed by the Garo Cultural Troupe.
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The Chang Cultural Troupe demonstrated Lakhu Thuten Lὒngbὒ Hoba Lalap Dongsen Tetsida, the playing of the log drum. The Angami Cultural Troupe performed Seishὒ Pfhe, a wood-hauling song sung while carrying firewood home from the field.
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