The Department of Art and Culture organised a Tribal Festival with the theme “Igniting Cultural Traditions” in Kohima today.
The event was held at the Amphitheatre, Directorate of Art and Culture.
During the event, 15 tribal troupes from Kohima district presented their respective folk dances and songs.
A special number was also performed by Governor’s Award 2021 recipient Sunep Lemtur.
H Khehovi Yepthomi, Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture, was the special guest of honour. He thanked the Department of Art and Culture for organising the event in honour of 75 years of independence and acknowledged all freedom fighters.
H Khehovi Yepthomi, Advisor for Tourism, Art & Culture. (Credit: Ilu Meru)
Yepthomi further expressed his admiration for the colourful tribes. He stated that while the Hornbill Festival brings together all tribes from different districts, this is the first time the art and culture department has organized a cultural event where all the tribes of the state were represented.
(Credit: Ilu Meru)
(Credit: Ilu Meru)
To promote and preserve Nagaland’s tradition and culture, the government has introduced the Hornbill Festival, but every citizen must take responsibility for its preservation, the advisor said and added that the loss of culture is a loss of identity.
Lastly, Yepthomi stressed that tradition and culture cannot be written down and taught so every youngster should take the time to learn their culture.
(Credit: Ilu Meru)
Secretary of Art & Culture, Athel O Lotha, in her address, described the Nagas as artistic people with a colourful culture which is representative of their earliest creative experience. She added that the folk dances and songs of Nagas reflect the vibrant culture of the Nagas.
The cultural troupes
Angami: Kevira Cultural Troupe, Kohima Village
Ao: Waromong Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Chakesang: Dzülhami Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Chang: Chang Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Khiamniungan: Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Konyak: Konyak Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Lotha: Lotha Yachummaro Cultural Group, Kohima
Phom: Phom Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Pochury: Pochury Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Rengma: Tesophenyu Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Sangtam: Sangtam Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Sumi: Shena Old Cultural Club, Kohima
Tikhir: Tikhir Cultural Troupe, Kohima
Yimkhiung: Yimkhiung Beru Cultural Group, Kohima
Zeliang: Benreu Students’ Union Kohima Dance Troupe
