The second day of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama saw a turnout of 17,588 visitors. According to the Department of Tourism, the breakdown of attendees included 428 foreign tourists, 4,698 domestic visitors, and 12,462 locals.
The day featured the inaugural cultural performances from various tribes of Nagaland, under the theme “Cultural Connect.” The event was hosted by TR Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Planning & Transformation, Nagaland, and co-hosted by G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, South Asia, Reckitt, graced the event as the Honored Guest.
The cultural performances were a key highlight of the festival, with each troupe showcasing traditional dances and songs celebrating Nagaland’s rich heritage. Each tribe will present a commemorative performance on different days throughout the festival, highlighting the uniqueness of their traditions. A winner will be announced at the festival’s conclusion.
The highlights of the Tribal Cultural Performances included the Angami Cultural Troupe, which presented Sozie Pfhe, a folk song inspired by the bird Sozie, performed during the Sekrenyi festival. The Ao Cultural Troupe followed with a commemorative performance depicting the final rituals of the Moatsu Festival, emphasizing communal harmony through traditional songs and games like Aar Atsütepba (tug-of-war).
The Chang Cultural Troupe portrayed the process of Sangsang Yamli (Creation of a New Village) through symbolic rituals and chants. The Chakhesang Cultural Troupe performed Kole (Unity Song), symbolizing communal harmony and consensus in traditional decision-making.
The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe performed Mongkao Kum, a welcoming dance for special guests, while the Mizo Cultural Troupe showcased the intricate Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance) and Sarlamkai, a warrior dance celebrating victories. The Garo Cultural Troupe demonstrated Jaktong Sika, a traditional game of strength.
The Konyak Cultural Troupe presented Sang Pu Hem, a folk song celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hornbill Festival, and the Lotha Cultural Troupe re-enacted Ritso Sharü (War Dance), depicting ancient war traditions. The Kachari Cultural Troupe performed Majangdini, a heartfelt folk song about love and longing.
The Phom Cultural Troupe and Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented Üngo Jala, a women’s work-song inspired by the calls of the bird Üngo, and Sang Athrong Khün, a bravery song celebrating victorious warriors, respectively. The Sumi Cultural Troupe performed Aphilo Kuwo, a warrior dance of thanksgiving and celebration.
The Zeliang Cultural Troupe and Tikhir Cultural Troupe delivered Luisunbo, a melodic folk song expressing love and emotions, and Tsonglak Tsin, a dance symbolizing the sanctification of war weapons, respectively. The morning cultural program concluded with the Kuki Cultural Troupe, showcasing Kangchong Kap (Top Game), a traditional competition of skill and precision.
The afternoon session continued the Cultural Extravaganza under the theme “Cultural Connect,” hosted by Jacob Zhimomi, Minister of PHE, and co-hosted by Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture. The event began with the presentation of Tmangra Lin (Fly Dance) by the Zeliang Cultural Troupe, where youth folk perform to reflect the vivid and luxurious life of a fly during the harvesting season.
The Kuki Cultural Troupe presented Lenchongghoi La, a folklore depicting the story of seven brothers who failed to rescue their sister from the extraordinary man Khalvompu. The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe performed a commemorative piece about merry-making with loved ones, and the Kachari Cultural Troupe demonstrated Rimin Nelaiba, a traditional game played during social gatherings by the Dimasas.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe presented a local love song, Lumaiti, followed by the Sumi Cultural Troupe’s demonstration of Cheloche (Cock Fight), a game that tests physical strength and strategic thinking. The Sangtam Cultural Troupe showcased Khüling Kyaba, an indigenous game played exclusively by women, while the Rengma Cultural Troupe sang the traditional folksong Mapi Ghi Khwi.
The Pochury Cultural Troupe performed Jujutsong, a festival dance, and the Phom Cultural Troupe demonstrated Pangyenla (Yarn Spinning), a traditional method of spinning cotton into yarn. The Lotha Cultural Troupe presented Eramoren Poni Nzanta Khen, a couples’ folk love song.
The Konyak Cultural Troupe enacted Weehok Ok Yang E Lokpu Hei Weetangpu, a traditional dance, and the Ao Cultural Troupe performed a folk song composed by the troupe leader of Watemdong Cultural Club, Ungma, Limayanger Jamir Tatar, as a tribute to the 25th Hornbill Festival. The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe performed Hoiyie Zui, a folksong sung at the end of the year after the harvest is completed.
The Chakhesang Cultural Troupe performed Chupri Hoo, a song related to the cultivation of foxtail millet and Jhum cultivation. The Garo Cultural Troupe sang Anching Re’ Re, a folksong, while the Chang Cultural Troupe demonstrated Lakhu Thuten Lángbúng Hoba Lalap Dongsen Tetsida, the playing of the log drum. The Angami Cultural Troupe concluded the day with Seishü Pfhe, a wood-hauling song sung while carrying firewood home from the field.