In January 2022, the Tikhirs were officially recognised as a distinct Naga tribe with the formation of the Shamator district. With this, the Tikhir people also made their debut to the Hornbill Festival, establishing the Tikhir Qiu for the first time this year drawing attention with their unique stories.
The word “Tikhir” means “Dew People,” signifying that they were the first settlers of the place.
The cultural troupe members, aged 35 and above, including a few individuals in their sixties, comprises of 21 male and 29 female members. Travelling over 300 km, it took the Tikhir cultural troupe two days to reach the State Capital.
Lentimong (Ati), a member of the Tikhir tribe, came all the way from Punjab to join the festival when he learned that his village was taking part to show solidarity and support. He expressed a sense of responsibility upon learning that his tribe would be participating in the Hornbill Festival. “For some of them, this is the first time traveling in a vehicle, and for a few, it is their first experience seeing the capital city Kohima,” says Lentimong who currently plays a key role in managing the Tikhir Morung.
The 300 km journey was not an easy one. The 51 members had to travel on the back of a pick up truck (Tata mobile) for some distance as bus services were not available in certain areas.
“Approximately 20 of them experienced riding in a vehicle for the first time,” mentions Lentimong. He also noted that despite the minor inconveniences or discomfort, many of them are very happy and excited to be present, witnessing the festival and exploring Kohima.
Lentimong further notes that the Tikhir Qiu has been providing free dinner to all the visitors after 4:00 pm.
The Tikhir cultural troupe hail from the Pokphur village, with their main festival being Tsonglaknyi, a celebration of purification. This festival holds great significance among the Tikhir people and spans over four days in the month of October.
The Tikhir stall this year featured “Job’s tears” and “millet,” and locally brewed wine as their speciality.
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According to the 2011 census, the population of the Tikhir people in Nagaland was 7,537. There are a few Tikhir families in Kohima, comprising around 60-90 households. Due to the shortage of manpower and time this year, the troupe mentions that they were not entirely prepared for the festival. However, they expressed hope that they would be better prepared for the next year’s festival.
Expressing gratitude to the government for providing bus services, enabling them to participate in the 24th Hornbill Festival, and the group expressed hope for better preparations and participation next year.
