Cultural performances by the tribes of Nagaland enthralled the honored guests and audience on the ninth day of the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival 2024 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima, on December 9, 2024.
The host for the day was C.L. John, Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Village Guards, with co-host Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. The honored guests included Justice Biswanath Sommader, Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court; Paras Sharma, Director of Global Partnerships at Meta, India; and Sh. Rajesh Nambair, Executive Director & State Head of Indian Oil AOD, Guwahati.
The morning session featured a vibrant cultural showcase, including performances such as the Ngada Dance by the Rengma Cultural Troupe, Naknyu Lüm (Festival) by the Chang Cultural Troupe, and Montsai (Soul Catcher Drama) by the Lothas, among others. Each act highlighted the unique traditions, music, and dances of Nagaland’s tribes.
The afternoon session was hosted by S. Toiho Yeptho, Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with co-host Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor for Water Resources. Distinguished guests included Sanjay Verma, Member of the UPSC, and Lt. Gen. Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps.
Performances included the Vakol Lam dance by the Kuki Cultural Troupe, Wochak Khüntong agricultural demonstrations by the Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe, and headhunting reenactments by the Ao Cultural Troupe. The day concluded with the Rengma Cultural Troupe’s Mapi Ghi Khwi and the Kachari Cultural Troupe’s vibrant Bai-Bin/Suphen folk dance.
Merennungsang Lemtor wins Naga Chef Season 11
The finale of Naga Chef Season 11 was held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 9, 2024, featuring the top four finalists: Gaily T. Trakha, Hamngam Linghoikim Hengna, Merennungsang Lemtor, and Pfutsuvielo Ladu.
Merennungsang Lemtor emerged as the winner of Naga Chef Season 11, taking home a cash prize of `3 lakhs. The other three finalists were presented with gift hampers.
The panel of judges for Naga Chef Season 11 included Rovi Chasie, Alemjungla Jamir, Kevitsu Doze, Nune Chase, and Vekutholü Vero.
The event was organized by Synergy Group Enterprise with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
Ato Mor wins 2024 HIPFEST Photography Competition
The results of the much-anticipated 2024 HIPFEST Photography Competition were announced on December 9, 2024. The competition saw spectacular display of talent, creativity, and storytelling through photography. A distinguished panel of judges, including Yip Yew Chong from Singapore and Nagaland-based experts Kekhriezhazo Miachieo and Narayan Bahadur, evaluated submissions across various categories.
Ato Mor secured the 1st Position, while Viketso Meyase and Parvej Akhtar claimed the 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.
In the category awards, Keyi Putlang won the Best Portrait category, Sashikala Jami was awarded for the Best Landscape Photograph, and Neilar Mepfhuo took home the prize for the Best Wildlife Photograph.
Nagaland Bee Keeping & Honey Mission at Kisama
The Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) has set up a honey pavilion called the ‘HONEY HUB’ during the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima. The pavilion features participation from the Viswema Village Beekeeping Committee, Khonoma Basa Vandhan Vikas Kendra, and honey entrepreneurs from Tseminyu district under the banner Chwida Rocky Mountain Honey and Mima Honey. They are showcasing their products for sale, including honey, various honey-based items, and handicrafts.
NBHM’s stall offers three different types of honey: Apis cerana honey, rock bee or wild honey, and stingless honey. Additionally, honey by-products such as lip balms and massage balms are available. The initiative behind the NBHM’s stall is primarily focused on advertisement and promotion.
The pavilion also includes honey-based beverages, confectionery, and snacks, catering to visitors at the Honey Hub and providing a unique experience that highlights the versatility of honey.
Save and Protect the Hornbill
Acknowledging the deep-rooted link between the hornbill bird and Naga culture, the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change held a competition in 2023 for sustainable alternative feathers to replace real hornbill feathers. The winners of the competition were Architect Shanjo A. Kithan and Architect Sentilong Imchen.
The department has displayed the winning entry at this year’s stall to raise awareness about the availability of alternatives. It is hoped that this will encourage people to use such options instead of real hornbill feathers in their traditional attire.
Encouragingly, the alternative feather has received a lot of appreciation from both local and international visitors. This initiative is seen as a way to protect hornbills, whose population is facing significant threats in Nagaland.