Hornbill Festival Day 3 records 15,324 visitors
The Hornbill Festival recorded a total footfall of 15,324 visitors on Day 3, according to data released on Wednesday.
The figure includes 283 foreign tourists, 3,604 domestic visitors, and 11,437 local visitors from Nagaland.
The festival continues to draw large crowds as cultural performances, food stalls, and tourism activities remain major attractions for both residents and travelers.
The third day of the 26th Hornbill Festival 2025 brought together a vibrant array of tribal performances at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The cultural segment of the festival was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Home and Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, and co-hosted by K. Tokugha Sukhalu, Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology. The day’s programme was attended by distinguished guests including the Ambassador of Bhutan, Consul General H.E. Jigme Thinlye Namgyal, Air Marshal Surat Singh, SM, Commanding in Chief, Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Mohit Wadhwa, GOC 101 Area, Simon Lee Broughton, Founding Editor of Songlines, and other dignitaries.
The cultural show featured traditional dances, songs and folk presentations from various Naga tribes, each highlighting the distinct identity and heritage of their communities. The Zeliang troupe opened the day with Akoina Lin, a lively folk dance performed during large gatherings. The performance represented the joy of celebration and compared the dancers to falcons and butterflies. The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe followed with Kha Kiaklak Rhimo, while the Tikhar troupe staged Tainang Jong Paihi Ai, a women’s folk dance presented during major festivals, celebrating praise, hospitality and the sharing of premium wine.
The Sumi troupe showcased Akikiti, a traditional kick-fighting sport performed within a circular ring. Practised by young boys in the morung, it emphasised agility, discipline and self-defence and was traditionally presented during festivals such as Tuluni, Ahuna and Tixini. The Sangtam Cultural Troupe performed Shangrü Thsaba Khi, a song of friendship celebrating unity, mutual respect and companionship between tribes.
The Rengma troupe presented Künyeün, a significant war dance from the Igada Festival that marks the selection of new warriors. The Pochury troupe performed Küzhegwi, a ritual chant delivered by elders to remind villagers to uphold customary practices to ward off natural calamities. This ritual is traditionally performed in late January before the start of other festivals.
The Phom Cultural Troupe presented Ho Ho Shou, the song of origin and migration that narrates the ancestral journey from “Entolok” to “Laimeisham.” The Lotha troupe performed Myingthung Sharü, a dance of praise traditionally performed to welcome a new village chief and affirm loyalty and courage. The Kuki troupe showcased Lenchonghoi La, a folklore recounting the tragic abduction of Lenchonghoi and the sorrow of her seven brothers who could not rescue her due to natural obstacles.
The Konyak troupe presented Gan rin Boa, a pre war ritual that involved song, dance and oath taking, symbolising unity and readiness for battle. The Kachari troupe performed the graceful Bagurumba, the butterfly dance of Mech Kachari women celebrating harmony with nature. The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe staged Beoyam Kinya, a harvest demonstration expressing the joy and unity of the harvest season.
The Garo troupe presented the Quarrel Dance, symbolising conflict and reconciliation between the Sangma and Marak clans. The Chang Cultural Troupe performed Khuyubü, a traditional wrestling sport historically held during festivals. The Chakhesang troupe showcased Süte Li, a song dedicated to millet cultivation. The Ao troupe presented Keyi Asahba Yimya, also known as The Tiger’s Hunt, which highlighted the historical significance of tiger hunting for the safety of villages. The Angami troupe concluded the programme with Lübo Tati, featuring the traditional Tati instrument known for its resonant sound.
Day 3 of the Hornbill Festival offered visitors an immersive experience of Naga cultural diversity, storytelling and community heritage, reinforcing the festival’s role as a celebration of the rich traditions of the tribes of Nagaland.
India Post offers personalized ‘My Stamps’ at Hornbill Festival
India Post Philately has set up a special counter at the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima, inviting visitors to create their own personalised “My Stamps.” The service allows festival-goers to immortalize their favourite moments or individuals by turning their photographs into official postage stamps.
The initiative has drawn steady interest from attendees, many of whom are using the opportunity to craft unique souvenirs and share customised stamps with loved ones across the world. The “My Stamps” experience adds a creative and personal touch to this year’s festival attractions, blending tradition with modern postal innovation. The stall is located at the Handloom and Handicraft Pavilion, Kisama.
Tetseo Sisters launch second studio album, Li Chapter 2: Life Origins Roots
The Tetseo Sisters launched their second studio album on December 2 during the ongoing 26th Hornbill Festival at the Chakhesang Morung, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Nagaland, released the album and lauded the band for their efforts in bringing Nagaland’s culture and music to the global stage. Vezoto Tetseo, Chairman of the Thuvopisumi Welfare Society, pronounced the blessings.
“Li Chapter 2: Life. Origins. Roots” is the second studio album by the Tetseo Sisters and features 17 tracks that explore indigenous Chokri Naga music. Featuring traditional acappella vocals, the ancient single-stringed Tati instrument and original compositions in the Chokri language, the album presents a blend of oral tradition, vocal harmony and contemporary artistry.
Rooted in the lived experiences of the Chakhesang Naga people, the album reflects on identity, love, loss, resilience and the deep connection between land, language and self. Each track is both a cultural expression and a personal statement, honoring ancestral wisdom while inviting global audiences into an intimate and rarely heard soundscape. With minimal production and strong emotional resonance, the album relies on the raw power of voice and tradition to tell timeless stories.
With Li Chapter 2, the Tetseo Sisters contribute a distinct and authentic voice to the global music landscape, reaffirming the relevance and beauty of indigenous music on the world stage.
The album has been accepted for Grammy consideration in the category of Best Global Music Album 2026 and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Novo, BoINN, Mongdoll and Trance Effect perform on Toyota Hornbill Music Festival Day 3
The third day of the Toyota Hornbill Music Festival 2025 featured performances by Novo from Assam, BoINN and Friends of the Mary Wallopers from Ireland, Mongdoll from South Korea and Trance Effect from Nagaland. The event took place at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama and drew music enthusiasts from within and outside the state.
The audience witnessed a diverse lineup as the festival continued its celebration of international and regional music, with artists presenting genres ranging from contemporary folk influences to alternative and rock.
The festival has announced the December 4 lineup. The performances will begin at 5:00 PM at the Unity Arena in Kisama and will feature Lateral Move, Street Stories and Wishes and Dreams from Nagaland.
Legal Services Stall inaugurated at Kisama during Hornbill Festival
Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the Legal Services Stall set up by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, during the 26th Hornbill Festival on December 1, 2025.
Delivering a brief address after the inauguration, Justice Medhi stated that the main purpose of the stall is to reach out to the people, emphasizing that many are in need of justice. He encouraged panel lawyers and para-legal volunteers to extend their services and ensure that the needy can access their rights and entitlements.
Citing the Victim Compensation Scheme, he highlighted how the Supreme Court of India has mandated trial courts to promptly dispatch compensation, noting that victims are not required to wait but can claim it immediately. Justice Medhi also lauded the State Legal Services Authority for proactively pursuing its mission of spreading legal awareness and conducting legal outreach activities. He noted that the workforce of the authority has been functioning with transparency by documenting all activities, thereby improving visibility.
He further called for sustaining the initiative with renewed commitment for the benefit of the masses. The special guest also handed over victim compensation cheques to various District Legal Services Authorities. Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, and Chairperson of the Kohima DLSA, Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, received the cheque on behalf of the victim beneficiaries.
As part of the annual Hornbill Festival, the NSLSA, under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, is setting up a 10-day Legal Services Stall to provide free legal services. Earlier, Member Secretary Neiko Akami, NJS, led the programme and delivered the welcome address. Akami explained the importance of the stall and informed that important laws and Acts have been translated into local Naga dialects and Nagamese for those who prefer languages other than English.
At the Legal Services Stall, visitors can access the latest legal literature and booklets on new laws, Acts and rules. They can also seek legal advice or consultation on any matter, obtain legal assistance or representation, and clarify doubts on any legal topic without incurring any charges. Information is also available on Lok Adalats, mediation, victim compensation, the Legal Aid Defence Counsels system and the early release of undertrial prisoners, among others.
The services will be provided by para-legal volunteers and panel lawyers throughout the 10 days.