Samagra Shiksha Nagaland successfully organized the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 at Mt Tabor Retreat Centre, Kohima on October 24. Kala Utsav, a flagship programme of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSE&L), Ministry of Education (MoE), aims to foster and showcase the artistic talent of the student of Secondary Stage. The event celebrated the spirit of creativity, artistic excellence, and cultural heritage — echoing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of arts and culture into the educational framework.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr Chumbeni Kikon, Joint Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, who highlighted the importance of Kala Utsav as a platform for nurturing aesthetic and creative sensibilities among students.

The keynote address was delivered by L Jamithung Lotha, State Mission Director, who underscored that the initiative provides students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively, while strengthening their understanding and appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.

Gracing the event as the special guest, Avelu Ruho, Joint Secretary Department of School Education and Deputy Project Director- Nagaland Education Project(NECTAR), commended the participating students and teachers for their dedication and creativity. She encouraged the youth to preserve their indigenous art forms and oral traditions, reminding them that culture is not merely a performance but a living legacy that connects generations she also highlighted the importance of linking culture with education as a means of fostering pride in local heritage.

The State Level Kala Utsav witnessed the participation of 79 students representing various districts of Nagaland, each showcasing exceptional talent in seven art categories — ranging from visual arts and traditional crafts to storytelling, folk music, and theatre. The competition offered a vibrant space for students to express themselves through art and culture, blending creativity with a sense of identity and belonging.

The winners in each category are as follows:

1. 2D Visual Arts: Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
2. 3D Visual Arts: Government Higher Secondary School, Chozuba
3. 2D/3D Indigenous Toys & Games/Local Crafts: Hovishe Government High School, Zunheboto
4. Traditional Storytelling: Whetstone High, Mokokchung
5. Regional Folk Dance: Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung
6. Regional Folk Vocal Music: Hollotoli Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
7. Theatre: Sancho School, Wokha

The participating students displayed deep cultural understanding and creativity through their presentations — from captivating traditional dance performances and soulful folk songs to intricate visual art displays and thought-provoking theatrical acts. Each category reflected the diversity and richness of Nagaland’s artistic landscape, celebrating the interweaving of tradition and modern imagination.

The winners of the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 would represent Nagaland at the National Level Kala Utsav 2025. The national event would bring together young artists from across the country to showcase their cultural expressions and share their creative interpretations of India’s unity in diversity.