The 2nd Day of Hornbill Festival, 2025, witnessed a vibrant line-up of events on 2nd December at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The Cultural Show was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and co-hosted by G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources. Special guests included the Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar and other dignitaries.

The performances for the day showcased a diverse range of Naga traditional dances and cultural expressions. The Angami troupe presented Phita, a folk dance performed during traditional chants and usually seen in festive seasons. The Ao troupe performed Nokinketer, a warrior dance symbolising bravery, strength, and martial spirit. The Chakhesang troupe showcased Lika/Thücüikhü, a horn-blowing performance reserved for festive seasons, followed by Khridikhuhi, the Mass Curse Day observance held annually on the last day of the second lunar month, serving as a reminder to uphold peace, order, and harmony within the village.

Chakhesang cultural troupe performing Lika/Thücükhu (blowing horn trumpet)

The Chang troupe performed Bu Sen Oneed, while the Garo troupe showcased the Wangala Dance, traditionally performed during the post-harvest thanksgiving festival. The Khiamniungan troupe presented Jamhang, a song performed inside the house during the feast of merit. The Kachari troupe performed Bima Thanai, an indigenous game involving two teams – one representing a “mother” and her “children,” and the other acting as “guards.”

The Konyak troupe presented Shim Shut Boa, sung by womenfolk while pounding rice, expressing the hardships faced by women as they prepare for marriage. The Kuki troupe performed Jangcha Lam, inspired by the legendary warrior Jangcha. The Lotha troupe showcased Kongtsu Kongyaa, a trial that tested whether warriors were fit for headhunting.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The Phom troupe performed Yapo Louh-Po (Headhunting Expedition – An Act), depicting a headhunting raid followed by celebratory chants accompanied by log drum beats. The Pochury troupe presented Hapie Hapie, a traditional dance performed as a precursor to the Feast of Merit. The Rengma troupe showcased Tufu Kethyu, highlighting the traditional craft of cotton spinning.

The Sangtam troupe performed Shiru Kyucho Khi, a song of respect and welcome sung in honour of distinguished guests. The Sumi troupe presented Imuno Pi Sujo, celebrating brotherhood, love, and unity. The Tikhir troupe performed Tsonglak Tsin, a dance symbolising the sanctification of shields, spears, and other weapons used in war and hunting.

Kuki cultural troupe performing Jangcha Iam (folk dance)

The Yimkhiung troupe showcased Hi Chu Khun, depicting the traditional pounding of grains using wooden mortars and pestles. The Zeliang troupe concluded the show with Matha-Bu Lin, a performance presented during the Chaga Gadi festival, calling upon the youth to display their vibrant culture to visitors.