The 2nd Edition of the Hornbill Festival Extension 2025 began at Zunheboto on 4th December 2025 with the Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, C.L. John, gracing the event as the special guest.
The three-day festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people through traditional performances, indigenous games, and various cultural activities. Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Picto Shohe was also present at the inaugural programme.
In his address, C.L. John recalled his first visit to Zunheboto during the Ahuna festival in 2009 and expressed happiness for being a frequent visitor since then. He thanked the organizers for successfully hosting the event and expressed delight at witnessing various traditional games and cultural activities of the Sumi.
The Minister stressed the importance of overcoming tribalism and encouraged the development of Nagamese as a common dialect for better communication and unity among the Nagas. He asserted that a shared dialect and literature would help connect Nagas across different regions and reaffirmed that unity can be strengthened through a common dialect as well as through Christian values.
John also noted that the presence of multiple organizations has fragmented Naga society over time. He also clarified that some people misunderstand about Hornbill Festival as an “evil festival,” but the Chief Minister’s vision is to promote unity and togetherness. The festival, he said, symbolizes Nagas without borders coming together as one community.
He emphasized that people from all denominations and religions participate in the festival, and this inclusivity fosters unity and prayer. He further clarified that celebrating the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is because Nagas celebrate festival throughout the year and hornbill represents all Naga festivals combined, making it truly the “Festival of Festivals.”
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While specifically addressing the people of Zunheboto district, John stated that unity become possible under the Chief Minister’s leadership, “like a heavenly gathering.” He urged the public to avoid unnecessary conflicts, adding that if the Nagas could have end the practice of headhunting in the past, we can certainly overcome smaller issues today.
He encouraged the Sümi community to take the lead as an ambassador of Naga unity since they share borders with many other Naga tribes in the state. The Minister expressed hope that the Hornbill Extension at Zunheboto will continue to grow stronger and more vibrant in the years to come.
Speaking on the occasion, Khehoshe H. Yeptho, President of the NPF Zunheboto Division, appreciated the State Government for initiating the Hornbill Extension programme in the district. He stated that such event plays an important role in shaping the society towards a positive direction. Yeptho also thanked the Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO) for taking responsibility for organizing the event.
He further emphasized the significance of rediscovering and preserving the Naga traditions through platforms like the Hornbill Festival. Encouraging the youth, he highlighted the need for active participation to help safeguard cultural identity and strengthen traditional skills through such events.
The event was hosted by Akavi Chophy, Content Creator and Hikali Achumi, Miss Nagaland 2022 and Executive Member of SYO. The programme also featured special voice presented by Ashito Awomi, Mughato Achumi
The session was chaired by Ino Ghuvika Yeptho, Vice President of the Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO). The invocation prayer was led by Rev. Inakhu Sumi, Pastor of ZTSBC and the welcome address was delivered by Alobo Naga, Convenor of the 2nd HEZ and Director of Musik-A.
Day 1 showcased an exciting line-up of competitions that attracted enthusiastic participation, including: Apukhu Kiti – Round 1 and Street Arm Wrestling. In the Street Arm wrestling, under 65 kg plus category: Katovi Achumi and Aboka Achumi were declared as winners and runners-up respectively. Under 65 Kg categories: Vipu Yeptho and Nipuvi shohe were judged as the winner and runners-up respectively. These activities brought competitive spirit and entertainment to the festival grounds. The first segment of the Sümi Love Song Competition added a musical highlight to the event.
The evening concluded with the second part of the Sümi Love Song Competition, featuring performances by: Vivi V. Yepthomi and The Boho Singer, Vikiyeto Noel.
