The two-day Highland Festival 2026, featuring the Miss Kiphire 2026 pageant, concluded on October 31 at the Public Ground, Kiphire on the theme “Rooted in Resilience, Rising in Grace”.
Held on October 30 and 31, the festival brought together culture, music, fashion, tourism, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, providing a platform to showcase Kiphire’s cultural heritage, local talent and economic potential.
The festival was supported by MLA and Advisor, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, Relief and Rehabilitation, S Kiusumew Yimchunger, along with the District Administration, Kiphire, and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland.
The inaugural programme on October 30 was graced by Longdiba L Sangtam, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, as special guest. In his address, he appreciated Highland Events for organising an initiative that promotes art and culture, tourism, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. He also underscored the importance of unity, love and togetherness among the people.
In his opening remarks, Khumpile Ayong, Advisor, Highland Events, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local culture, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for young people to showcase their talents. He said the initiative aimed to connect cultural traditions with modern opportunities and contribute to Kiphire’s development.
The opening ceremony featured a cultural performance led by Tsarola Y Sangtam and her crew, while Dr Bhem Sapkota, Pastor of Nepali Baptist Church, Kiphire, offered the invocation.
The first evening featured musical performances by guest artists, including Leochum V Thonger, popularly known as Leo Thonger, who performed songs with Visa Roths. Performances by Lenen Jamir and Albert Jingru, along with cultural presentations, added to the celebrations. A special screening of The Old Ways, featuring Thsalongse, was also held.
The second day featured cultural events, capacity-building and marketing programmes, a trade show and the grand finale of Miss Kiphire 2026. The Department of Industries and Commerce sponsored the capacity-building and marketing programmes to encourage local entrepreneurship and strengthen business opportunities.
The trade show provided a platform for local entrepreneurs and producers to display Kiphire-made products, highlighting the skills, creativity and business potential of the people. YouthNet also facilitated a help desk to provide guidance and information on opportunities available to young people.
S Tsaseto Sangtam attended the second day as special guest. In his address, he highlighted the tourism potential of Kiphire, citing destinations such as Zinki River, Singrep Adventure, Mount Saramati and Mimi Cave, besides other scenic locations in the district.
He encouraged young people to explore tourism-related opportunities and stressed the need for proper tour-guide training to develop professional skills and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also appreciated the festival as an initiative that could help local people explore their potential in tourism, business and entrepreneurship.
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The grand finale of Miss Kiphire 2026 featured a series of performances and presentations, including a musical tribute by Tsarola Y. Sangtam and Leo Thonger, a special video presentation titled Discover Kiphire, a dance performance celebrating unity, the designer round and the Heritage in Style ethnic wear round.
The event also featured musical performances by KL Pamei and Akhrieze. The contributions of sponsors, event partners and the creative team, including groomers, choreographers, designers, makeup artists and hairstylists, were acknowledged.
The competition progressed through the question-and-answer rounds, announcement of the Top Five finalists, presentation of special awards and the farewell walk by Miss Kiphire 2025, before culminating in the crowning of Miss Kiphire 2026.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the District Administration, Kiphire; Nagaland State Cooperative Bank; State Bank of India; White Magic (Anar Telecom); Shri Temsuwati Longkumer; Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire; Shangsila Mongzar; Tsatongse Guest House; Fire and Emergency Services; Indian Red Cross Society; Akashvani All India Radio, Kohima; SP Office, Kiphire; and YouthNet.
They also acknowledged the support of Eastern Mirror, Star Gazers, Agape Higher Secondary School, Smokypots Restaurant and Cafe, Sunday Mood, Suko Construction, Anar Tours, Kiphire Printing Press, Sculpt Fitness Bouncers and KVSU Volunteers.
The organisers said Highland Festival 2026 was more than a cultural celebration, providing an opportunity to promote local talent, preserve cultural identity, encourage women’s participation and highlight Kiphire’s tourism and business potential.
The festival concluded with a call for unity and cooperation, encouraging the younger generation to take an active role in promoting the district’s culture, tourism and economic development.
