The 25th Hornbill Festival ended on a high note Tuesday with a grand closing ceremony at the Main Arena in Kisama, marking the successful conclusion of a 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
In his closing speech, Nagaland’s Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, the festival host, attributed the event’s success to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s visionary leadership. “The Hornbill Festival transcends cultural and tribal ties, extending to humanity,” Along stated, emphasizing unity, spirituality, and shared enthusiasm among the people.
Along commended the department of Art and Culture, led by Adviser K. Konngam Konyak, for spotlighting the work of Nagaland’s artisans on an international stage.
He also praised the Tourism Department for its meticulous planning and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) for fostering creativity in music and arts.
Acknowledging seamless security and logistics, Along expressed gratitude to Nagaland Police and thanked administrative leaders, including chief secretary Dr. J. Alam, for their collaborative efforts.
The minister lauded local churches, Nagaland residents, media partners, and international collaborators for contributing to the festival’s success. The ceremony featured cultural presentations, musical performances, and the lighting of the ceremonial bonfire by Along, Miss Nagaland 2024 Anon Konyak, and pageant runners-up, symbolizing the festival’s end.
The Hornbill Festival highlighted Nagaland’s cultural unity and artistry and solidifying its reputation as a premier international cultural event by drawing visitors from home and abroad.
On the concluding day, various cultural troupes showcased extraordinary display of Nagaland’s cultural diversity under the theme “Cultural Connect”.
According to DIPR, the morning session was co-hosted by advisor for Geology & Mining, DUDA, W. Chingang Konyak and featured captivating cultural performances.
Chakhesang cultural troupe performed Thele Lu (folk song), Titse Nyeh Khidong (Millet Harvesting song) by Sangtam troupe, Zakhama Kehou (folk song) by Angami cultural troupe.
Watemdong cultural dance by performed by Ao troupe, Jamhang folk dance by Khiamniungan troupe, Aphilo Kuwo (victory dance) by Sumi troupe.
Dim Dim Chong (Wangala Folk Song) was performed by Garo troupe, a commemorative performance by Phom troupe.
The afternoon session was graced by Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, alongside actor and film producer Zayed Sanjay Khan and Rohit Gopakumar, Group CEO of Times Group.
The session was hosted by minister for Rural Development, SIRD Metsubo Jamir and advisor for Transport and Technical Education Temjenmenba as co-host.
Highlights of the session included– Tokhu Sharü (folk dance) by Lotha cultural troupe, Tatin Tinbo (seed sowing) by Zeliang troupe, Shangpele festival dance by Chang troupe.
Rengma troupe presented live demonstrations of cotton spinning and basket weaving, Suhta Lam (pestle dance) by Kuki troupe and Shamshu Lok (log drum beating) by Konyak troupe.
Awards: On the final day of the festival, awards were presented to honor outstanding performances and contributions: Best commemorative performance: Ao Cultural Troupe (Rs. 20,000); Best performing cultural troupes: First Konyak cultural troupe (Rs. 15,000) and second: Rengma cultural troupe (Rs. 10,000).
Best Morungs: Ao Morung, Chang Morung, and Konyak Morung and Best Stalls: Tepok Oshidak, Nouva, and Ao Fusion.
Certificates, photo frames, cakes, and cash prizes were distributed to all participating cultural troupes.