Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday graced the Mungmung-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival held at the local ground in Longkhim as the Special Guest, where he called upon the Naga people to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the Government of Nagaland has been consistently working to promote traditional values and culture through flagship events like the Hornbill Festival, the Mini Hornbill festivals across districts, and various cultural road shows. He underlined that festivals are not merely occasions of merrymaking but also serve as platforms for reconciliation, unity, and spiritual renewal.
Dr Rio reflected on the wisdom of forefathers and described it as “savage wisdom rooted in hard work and resilience”. He encouraged the gathering to follow the traditional practices of their ancestors for a bountiful harvest and sustainable livelihood.
He also touched upon the current status of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and their demand regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), urging understanding and dialogue.
Advisor for IT & Communication, Economics & Statistics, and Evaluation, H Sethrongkyu Sangtam, speaking on behalf of the host, highlighted the cultural and unifying significance of the Mungmung Festival. He urged the people to uphold the spirit of the festival in unity and progress.
Short speeches were also delivered by ENPO president, A Chingmak and Sumi Hoho president, Dr Vihoto, expressing solidarity and cultural pride. The significance of Mungmung Festival was elaborated by Liodong from Phir Ahi Village.
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The festival featured a vibrant showcase of traditional performances namely Male folk dances from Phir Ahi Village, Chimonger Village, Chungtor Village, Tronger Village and Tsungti Mulong Singrep Village, and Female folk dances from Kiding Village, Angangba Village, Tsaru Village and Holongba Village.
The program also included traditional game demonstrations such as fire-making and top-spinning. A special song titled “Oh Mungmung” was performed by Shujingla Thonger and Kohjungli Jingru, adding a melodic tribute to the festival.
Earlier, the youths of Angangba Village performed a demonstration of log drum beating, and the women of Chimonger Village presented a traditional cotton spinning showcase. The event commenced with a welcome address by USLP President K. Aliba Sangtam, followed by an invocation prayer from Dr. Longre, Pastor of LTBL.
