The two-day Highland Festival 2026, featuring the Miss Kiphire pageant, concluded at the Public Ground, Kiphire, on Friday, showcasing local culture, music, fashion, entrepreneurship and tourism under the theme “Rooted in Resilience, Rising in Grace”.
The festival, held on October 30 and 31, was supported by MLA and Advisor S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, the District Administration Kiphire and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Longdiba L. Sangtam, who attended the opening programme as special guest, appreciated Highland Events for promoting local culture, tourism, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. Highland Events Advisor Khumpile Ayong said the festival aimed to connect cultural traditions with modern opportunities and provide young people a platform to showcase their talents.
The opening day featured cultural performances led by Tsarola Y. Sangtam and her crew, musical performances by Leo Thonger with Visa Roths, Lenen Jamir and Albert Jingru, and a screening of The Old Ways, featuring Thsalongse.
The second day included capacity-building and marketing programmes sponsored by the Department of Industries and Commerce, a trade show featuring locally made products, and a help desk facilitated by YouthNet to guide young people on available opportunities.
Special guest S. Tsaseto Sangtam highlighted Kiphire’s tourism potential, citing Zinki River, Singrep Adventure, Mount Saramati and Mimi Cave. He encouraged young people to explore tourism-related enterprises and stressed the need for proper tour-guide training to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Miss Kiphire 2026 grand finale featured musical performances by Tsarola Y. Sangtam, Leo Thonger, KL Pamei and Akhrieze, along with a designer round, a heritage ethnic-wear round titled “Heritage in Style” and a dance presentation celebrating unity. The competition included question-and-answer rounds, selection of the Top Five finalists, special awards and the farewell walk of Miss Kiphire 2025, culminating in the crowning of the new winner.
The organisers acknowledged the support of government departments, financial institutions, businesses, organisations and volunteers in conducting the festival, which aimed to promote Kiphire’s cultural identity and expand opportunities in tourism and entrepreneurship.