Cultural performances by the tribes of Nagaland enthralled the honored guests and audience on the Ninth day of the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival 2024 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on December 9, 2024.
The Host for the day was Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Village Guards C.L. John, with the co-host Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. The honored guests were Justice Biswanath Sommader, Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court; Paras Sharma, Director of Global Partnerships at Meta, India; and Sh. Rajesh Nambair, Executive Director & State Head of Indian Oil AOD, Guwahati.
The cultural extravaganza during the morning session included Ngada Dance by the Rengma Cultural Troupe, Naknyu Lüm (Festival) by the Chang Cultural Troupe, Karamsang Bai-Hao (Folk Song) by the Kacharis, Lamkai Them La (Latah Folklore) by the Kukis, Ngoina Lin (Falcon Dance) by the Zeliang Cultural Troupe, War Dance by the Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe, Montsai (Soul Catcher Drama) by the Lothas, Kahham Manwaipu Hei Tah Yah Lao Ong Wanted Pu Hem (Folk Song) by the Konyaks, Commemorative Performance by the Pochury Tribe, Chesao (Field Work Demonstration) by the Khiamniu’gan Cultural Troupe, Tsin Pong Sangpin Tah (Women’s Folk Dance) by the Tikhirs, Aye Küzüle (Weaving Song Demonstration) by the Sümis, Chanuü (Folk Song) by the Angamis, Hornbill Dance by the Aos, Hoode Hoo (Folk Song) by the Chakesangs, Hongponglo (Bamboo Gun) by the Phom Cultural Troupe, Harvest Grace by the Garos, and Nyitsarü Süde (Folk Song) by the Sangtam Cultural Troupe.
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The afternoon session was hosted by Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S. Toiho Yeptho with Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum as the co-host.
The honored guests for the afternoon included: Sanjay Verma, Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Lt Gen. Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps. The afternoon session featured diverse performances from various Naga tribes, highlighting their rich traditions, music, and dances.
The program began with a special performance by Imna Yaden, a folk fusion Singer -songwriter from Dimapur who performed the song “Call of Hornbill”, honouring and commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Hornbill Festival. This song blends traditional Naga music with contemporary rhythms, capturing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. Next to follow was a commemorative performance by the Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe. The traditional bamboo dance is an integral part of Pathso festivals and celebrations. This dance symbolizes unity and harmony among the community and celebration of life and fertility.
The Garo Cultural Troupe showcased Makal Pala followed by the Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe’s demonstration of the Wochak Khüntong, a traditional method of agriculture and land clearing. Folk songs and dances took center stage with captivating performances like the Vakol Lam dance by the Kuki Cultural Troupe, Jujutsong- a dance performed by the Pochury cultural troupe during the Chanyathakhu festival and the Dizhu Pfhe, a folk song sung while clearing weeds by the Angami Cultural Troupe.
The cultural program also featured unique demonstrations such as headhunting reenactments by the Ao Cultural Troupe, the Dongsen Sungbü, a log-drum pulling activity by the Chang Cultural Troupe and Ami Kukula, an indigenous way of fire making by the Sumi cultural troupe. Traditional games and rituals were brought to life, with the Sangtam Cultural Troupe engaging the audience with corn grinding demonstrations called Tsesu Mup Khidong and the Zeliang Cultural Troupe presenting Tupui Khoibo, an indigenous game. The Phom Cultural Troupe performed Mailok, a love song whereby male members from one village visits another village to meet their lovers while the Chakhesang Cultural Troupe sang the melodious Rizhie Hoo.
The afternoon concluded with the Rengma Cultural Troupe’s rendition of Mapi Ghi Khwi and the Kachari Cultural Troupe’s vibrant folk dance, Bai-Bin/Suphen.
