The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival concluded on a high note with a grand closing ceremony at the Main Arena in Kisama on December 10, 2024, marking the successful conclusion of a 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
The state tourism department reported that the festival attracted a total of 2,05,968 visitors over its 10-day duration, with 32,081 attending on the final day, including 152 foreign tourists, 8,113 domestic tourists, and 23,816 local visitors.
Festival host and Minister of Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, in his closing speech, thanked the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, under whose visionary leadership the Nagas were able to come together in unity, spirituality, and enthusiasm for the festival. He emphasized that the festival goes beyond cultural and tribal ties and extends to humanity.
Along expressed gratitude to the Department of Art & Culture, led by Advisor K Konngam Konyak, for bringing artisans from across Nagaland to showcase their rich culture and heritage to the world.
He also appreciated the Tourism Department for their efforts in making the festival a grand success. Additionally, he extended thanks to the TaFMA team for their persistence, commitment, and for providing opportunities in the fields of music and arts throughout the 10-day event.
The Minister acknowledged the Police for ensuring secure and seamless logistics during the festival. He also thanked the line departments, ministers, advisors, administrative heads, and heads of departments, led by Chief Secretary Dr J Alam, for their cooperation and collaboration.
The festival host extended his appreciation to the Churches and the people of Nagaland for fostering positivity and taking ownership in building such an empowering brand. Along also thanked the country partners, state partners, ambassadors, and bureaucrats for their collaboration. He acknowledged the media fraternity for showcasing the festival to the world.
Minister Temjen Imna Along, accompanied by Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak, and the pageant’s first and second runners-up, Nikali K Shohe and Kelülü Dawhuo, lit the ceremonial bonfire, symbolizing the end of this year’s festival.
The closing program also featured a mesmerizing cultural presentation and captivating musical performances, leaving the audience with lasting memories of the festival’s unique blend of traditions, music, and dance.
The 10th day of the cultural extravaganza witnessed various tribes of Nagaland showcasing their rich cultural heritage at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima, on December 10, 2024.
The program of the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival was presented by the Department of Art & Culture with the theme “Cultural Connect.”
The morning session was attended by W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor for Geology & Mining and DUDA, as the Co-Host.
The Morning Cultural Extravaganza included Thele Lu (folk song) by the Chakhesang Cultural Troupe, traditionally sung by the men of the village while moving from place to place, which explains its name “Thele Lu.”
Titse Nyeh Khidong, a millet harvesting song by the Sangtam Cultural Troupe, stood out for its distinct melody.
The Zakhama Kehou folk song by the Angami Cultural Troupe celebrated the youth’s camaraderie.
The Ao Cultural Troupe presented Watemdong, a special folk dance involving coordinated body movements and drumbeats. The Jamhang Folk Dance by the Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe marked feasts of merit.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe performed Shietu Khin, a men’s action song sung while tilling fields. The Aphilo Kuwo warrior dance by the Sumi Cultural Troupe symbolized victory and thanksgiving.
The Phom Cultural Troupe’s Pangital narrated a story of courage, while the Garo Cultural Troupe’s Dim Dim Chong depicted the richness of the Wangala festival.
The afternoon session was graced by Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC), along with actor Zayed Sanjay Khan and Times Group CEO Rohit Gopakumar. The session was hosted by Minister for Rural Development, SIRD, and Co-Host Advisor for Transport and Technical Education, Temjenmenba.
Highlights included:
· The Tokhu Sharü dance by the Lotha Cultural Troupe, marking the end of agricultural activities.
· The Tatin Tinbo demonstration by the Zeliang Cultural Troupe, showcasing seed sowing traditions.
· The Shangpele Festival Dance by the Chang Cultural Troupe, where participants sought life partners.
· A live demonstration of cotton spinning and basket-making by the Rengma Cultural Troupe.
Other performances included the Suhta Lam dance by the Kuki Cultural Troupe, the Shamshu Lok log drum beat by the Konyak Cultural Troupe, and the Oh Tejonpasu folk song by the Pochury Cultural Troupe.
The Bal-Khao-Ba concluding dance by the Kachari Cultural Troupe and the Acham Khün farewell song by the Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe brought the day to a close.
Certificates, photo frames, cakes, and cash awards were distributed. The Ao Cultural Troupe received Rs. 20,000 for the Best Commemorative Performance, while the Konyak and Rengma troupes won Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 for Best Performing Cultural Troupe awards. The Ao, Chang, and Konyak morungs were named the Best Morungs, while the Best Stall award went to Tepok Oshidak, Nouva, and Ao Fusion.
The winners of the Hornbill HIPFEST were felicitated at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama at a short official program on 10th December 2024.
Special Guest at the event Director Art and Culture Department, Adela Moa congratulated the winners and expressed her delight at witnessing the picturesque and meaningful pictures. She said that the pictures each spoke of a story through which the visitors of the Hornbill Festival would learn about the life, culture and traditions of the Naga people. She further thanked DIPR for sponsoring the event and hoped that the event would get bigger in the years to come.
She later presented the winners with certificates and cash awards.
Ato Mor secured first position, while Viketso Meyase and Parvej Akhtar claimed second and third positions. The winners were awarded a certificate along with cash prizes of Rs 40000, Rs. 25000 and Rs. 15000 respectively.
In the category awards, Keyi Putlang won the Best Portrait category, Sashikala Jami was awarded for Best Landscape Photograph, and Neilar Mepfhuo took home the prize for Best Wildlife Photograph. The winners of the sub category were each awarded a certificate and Rs. 10000 each.
Speaking on behalf of the Judges, Photo journalist, Kekhriezhazo Miachieo said that the photos were judged on three aspects, lighting, depth and composition and expressed that they had a hard time chossing the winners from among so many prize worthy photos.
Ababe Ezung, Proprietor Potrait Studio in his address thanked all the participants for their contribution and said that everyone was a winner. He also thanked the Department of IPR for co-hosting the event and hoped that the partnership would result in a better and bigger HIPFEST in the days to come.
HIPFEST 2024 participants who haven’t collected their certificate yet are requested to collect their certificate from Portrait Studio Dimapur, near City Tower.
Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha visited the Media Facilitation Centre at Kisama on 10th December 2024 to discuss and assess measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of the media and improving coverage of the Hornbill festival at the Naga Heritage Village.
During the visit, the Advisor engaged with media personnel, from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Doordarshan Kohima and private media outlets, to understand their needs and challenges. Emphasizing the critical role of media in ensuring effective communication, the Advisor underscored the importance of creating a conducive working environment.
The main agenda revolved around the need for a proper and well-equipped space for the Department of Information & Public Relations with conference hall for meetings and press conferences, provision of a dedicated media box for media personnel and additional facilities to streamline media coverage during the ongoing festivities at Kisama, not only during the Hornbill Festival but throughout the year.
“The media plays an essential role in connecting the public with the rich cultural heritage displayed at Kisama. We are committed to addressing their concerns and ensuring they have the resources needed to work efficiently,” the Advisor stated further assuring that related matters will be looked into.
The iconic reggae band Big Mountain, known for their global hit “Baby, I Love Your Way,” today performed at the grand finale of Toyota Hornbill Music Festival as part of 25th Hornbill Festival 2024 at Kisama.
Big Mountain, hailing from San Diego, California, has enthralled audiences worldwide with their fusion of reggae, pop and rock.
Other artists who performed at the final show included Alobo Naga, Tetseo Sisters, DJ Olly Esse, and Nagaland Folkloric Group.