An open competition for folk song and folk fusion under the theme ‘Prism of Possibilities’ organised by Kekhrie Krotho in collaboration with TaFMA was held at Khuzama Playground on 5 November.

The event was organised for all tribes of Nagaland to come together and to promote the diminishing culture.

Special Guest Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland said Khuzama is a well-known village not just among the Angamis but throughout the state. The village has significantly contributed in the journey of the State.

Highlighting the rich heritage of the state, he said hornbill festival is the only famous and intellectual property of the state that is celebrated in remembrance of tradition and culture of the forefathers, a festival that exemplifies everything that Nagaland is and more.

Special Guest Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland.

“According to experts and studies, tourism industries in India will spend 45 billion dollars in tourism alone in 2022,” Metha claimed. Multibillion industries of tourism must reach the state and artists of the state cannot miss that bus, he added.

Metha also briefed on the promotion of tourism and said the village is the station of tourism because it accommodates guests for the hornbill festival.

“It starts from this area because the hornbill festival is home here, the hornbill rest here, flies from here and takes off from here,” he said.

He also emboldened the leaders of the area to have the vision and understand the scope of possibilities that are their hands. He said the area has the potential to emerge as the hub of creativity and success.

Theja Meru, Advisor, TaFMA.

He mentioned that Nagaland must now be known for the right, positive and good things, be famous for talents and capabilities of the youths and not for insurgencies, political turmoil, AK-47 and instability.

Metha also mentioned that the competition would be an annual affair and become a national and international event from the next year.

Earlier, Advisor TafMA, Theja Meru expressed his gratitude on partnering for the fusion day and encouraged those present to continually inspire and also share the art with the world.

He encouraged the community to continue to keep the passion, creativity and the good work.

After the programme, special guests along with the officials visited HIBO-PUCHO museum that houses over 500 priceless items, traditional collections ranging from utensils, farming tools, wartime items to dresses, attires, ornaments, furniture, seeds and food grains etc.

The event was chaired by Natalia Rhütso and invocation was pronounced by Mhaphüvi Naleo, Pastor of Khuzam Baptist Church.

The inaugural function was followed by the folk song and folk fusion competitions where the categories were – Under 12, solo folk fusion, solo folk song, group folk song and group folk fusion. A total of 69 participants took part in the various categories.

The winners of the various categories are:

Under 12 (Solo)

Winner – Thejariano

1^st runner-up – Khruetsinuo

2^nd runner-up – Kehovinü

Solo folk fusion

Winner – Seyiekole Bio

1^st runner-up – Yope Sale

2^nd runner-up – Pelevotuo Paul

Solo folk song

Winner – Vilazonuo Rutsa

1^st runner-up – Neisakholü Dawhuo

2^nd runner-up – Kekhüvi Thao

Group folk fusion

Winner – Tikhir Folk Fusion

1^st runner-up – Simini

Group folk song

Winner – Tsahoro Kro

1^st runner-up – Thenyizu Cultural Group