This year’s Hornbill Festival carries a distinctive note of unity for the Khiamniungan Naga tribe. For many years, it was customary for a single village to represent the Khiamniungan Naga tribe at the Hornbill Festival, where a single village would represent the tribe. Each village showcased its unique styles, traditions, and rhythms. But this year marks a quiet yet profound transformation.
For the first time, members from various Khiamniungan villages have come together under one banner, one morung, and one spirit. The Khiamniungan Cultural Club, Noklak Town, has brought together performers from multiple Khiamniungan villages to form a unified troupe for the 26th Edition of the festival.
The move marks a deliberate effort to present a collective cultural identity. According to them, the decision reflects a growing sentiment within the community: that representation at a platform as prominent as the Hornbill Festival should highlight not individual villages, but the tribe as a whole.
Leading the 48-member troupe is Buhiu B. Lam, a researcher and author from Thang, Noklak village. Under his guidance, the group has delivered four traditional performances so far—Jamhang, Beoyam Kinya, E-khik Tsuihang, and Khaozaosie Hok-ah Tsui—each offering a glimpse into the tribe’s rich cultural heritage.
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With great pride, the troupe has also won the Women Champion in Tug of War, and Men in Second in Tug of War.
The composition of the troupe itself illustrates the generational breadth of the community. Its youngest performer, 25-year-old Pashen C, represents the new wave of youth committed to cultural preservation. At the other end of the spectrum is Pushie, estimated to be around 70 years old, whose presence underscores the role of elders as custodians of tribal knowledge.
Members say this year’s participation has strengthened relationships across villages, with performers sharing not only rehearsals but daily routines during their stay at Kisama. The collaborative effort has drawn positive attention from visitors, who note the strong sense of cohesion within the Morung.
As the festival continues, the unified troupe stands as a visible reminder of the Khiamniungan community’s commitment to cultural continuity—and its aspiration to move forward together, grounded in shared identity, tradition, and unity.
