The three-day International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 commenced on 8 December 2025 at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon. The event was virtually graced by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as the Guest of Honour. The Chief Host of the programme, Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Co-host Advisor of Art & Culture, Treasuries & Accounts K. Konngam Konyak, and Host of the Day W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor, DUDA and Geology & Mining, Nagaland, were present along with other dignitaries, including Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, Home & Border Affairs; P. Paiwang Konyak, Minister, Health & Family Welfare; Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor, Water Resources; and Rusemthong, Advisor to the Chief Minister.
The Guest of Honour, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, congratulated the organisers and extended his best wishes. He said that the festival is not just an event but a living expression of the Nagas through their song, dance and music. He added that the Hornbill Festival has become a global window.
Chief Host Dr. Neiphiu Rio, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to all the cultural troupes and stated that the heritage complex was inaugurated not only for the Aoleang celebration but also for yearlong activities. He applauded the organisers for taking up the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition in one of the biggest districts in the state, blessed with rich culture and tradition.
He acknowledged the ingenuity of the Konyaks passed down from their ancestors, reflected in their craftsmanship ranging from gun making and gunpowder making to beadwork, tattoos, blacksmithing and pottery. Referring to the demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) by ENPO, he said that the third and final draft has been submitted to the Government of India after due deliberations with the cabinet, and he hoped that the Central Government would look into the matter positively.
He urged the people to utilise the complex to preserve, promote and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks. Later, he inaugurated the Traditional Cuisine and Artists & Artisans’ Corner and visited the Ahng Museum and stalls set up by various departments, groups and societies.
Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, in his short speech, expressed gratitude to the organisers and especially to the Chief Minister.
The Host of the Day, W. Chingang Konyak, Advisor, DUDA and Geology & Mining, Nagaland, introduced the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition. He thanked the Chief Minister for his initiative and said that it reflected his commitment to promoting the culture, identity and tourism of the district. He added that the festival brings the people of Mon district together and urged the Konyaks to protect and preserve this heritage.
A cultural extravaganza was organised by the Department of Art & Culture with the theme “Cultural Connect”. Participants included Tangnyu Cultural Troupe, Wanching Cultural Troupe, Loung Cultural Troupe, Tamkoang, Chen area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang, Nokyan Cultural Troupe, and cultural groups from Phom, Ao, Tenyimia, as well as Wancho Fusion Crew from Arunachal Pradesh and a troupe from Assam.
Indigenous games were organised by the Department of DUDA in collaboration with the Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge”. The games included rice pounding, rice husking and fire making.
The programme began with a traditional blessing by Lohwang, Pongyin Ahng of Longzang Village. The festival was heralded by blowing traditional trumpets, firing muzzle-loading guns by Loung Village, and sounding of the gong by Chief Host Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
The Konyaks are known for their unique culture and traditions, particularly their socio-political structure based on Ahngship. Their craftsmanship in gun making and pottery distinguishes them from other Naga tribes.
The compere of the programme was Chingmei Konyak. Invocation was pronounced by Rev. H. Moba Konyak, Pastor KBCM. The President of the Konyak Union, Yamao Konyak, delivered the note of appreciation.