The Tokhü Emong Mini Hornbill Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur at the Public Ground, Wokha, on November 5. MLA and Chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, graced the celebration as the Special Guest, marking the official opening of Wokha district’s most vibrant cultural festivity.

In his keynote address, Kikon called upon the people to embrace responsibility and critical thinking as guiding principles for growth and prosperity. He reminded the gathering of the age-old heritage of Tokhü Emong, a festival that has stood as a symbol of unity, gratitude, and social harmony among the Lothas for generations.

Highlighting the need for transformative social change, he encouraged fostering genuine brotherhood through empathy and enlightened minds. He also urged citizens to engage in community-driven initiatives, especially in sanitation and environmental care, linking these actions to climate resilience and sustainable progress. “Each one of us must be a light in our community,” he stated, calling on Lotha intellectuals and youth to lead with compassion and clarity for a stronger society.

The programme, chaired by Lirhonthung Kithan, President of the Lotha Students’ Union, began with a welcome address from the Advisor of Lotha Hoho. A special folk song presentation by Wokha Town Mekokla Ekhung added colour and melody to the morning’s celebration.

Following the formal session, the Special Guest inaugurated the festival stalls and declared open the Traditional Competition, officially ushering in the festive spirit of Tokhü Emong.

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The day’s events featured a rich display of folk performances and traditional craftsmanship. In the traditional weaving demonstration—depicting the entire process from cotton preparation to cloth making N. Longidang Women Cultural Troupe took the top position, while Wokha Town Akuk Women Cultural Troupe and Wokha Village secured the first and second runners-up titles respectively.

In the folksong competition (men’s category), Wokha Town Akuk Cultural Troupe emerged as the winner. For the women’s category, Wokha Town Women Cultural Troupe claimed first place, followed by N. Longidang Cultural Troupe and Wokha Town Wozhuro Range Cultural Society as the runners-up.

In the youth category, Thithanro Von stood out as the winner, captivating the audience with a soulful rendition of a traditional tune.