The 2nd day of the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 was graced by Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Ireland, Raymond Mullen as Chief Guest at Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon on 9th December 2025. Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA & Chairman DPDB, Mon was the host of the Day. Other dignitaries present were Abu Mehta, Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Kupu Shohe, Chairman NSMDC, Theja Meru, Chairman, TAFMA, Obed Quinker, Chairman Nagaland Honey Mission and Wanphong Konyak, Chairperson Bio Resource Mission.
Raymond Mullen in his addressed expressed his gratitude to be a part of the International Hornbill Festival in Mon. He appreciated the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks and said that the celebration inspires creativity and cultural preservation.
Host of the Day, Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA & Chairman DPDB, while delivering the welcome address, extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his vision to extend the Hornbill Festival beyond Kisama. He said that Festival is not just an annual celebration but is a platform to showcase and protect cultural heritage, foster unity and promote tourism in the state.
He also added that the government headed by the Chief Minister achieved a remarkable milestone by releasing the documentation of our traditional attire on 1st December 2025 during the Statehood Day celebration at Kohima. He said that the government is ready to initiate research on our traditional culture and ornaments for safeguarding and preserving our rich culture.
He called upon everyone to use the occasion to nurture sustainable livelihoods for artisans and to provide younger generations with the opportunity to understand, respect, and carry forward our rich heritage. He added that the festival should serve as a “catalyst for intercultural dialogue,” encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to mingle, learn from one another, and foster deeper appreciation and understanding within the community.
He further emphasized creating opportunities to showcase our culture of hospitality and brotherhood with other communities. Let us embrace the beauty of diversity in celebration and highlight the vibrant colours of our culture, echoing the wisdom of the past
Abu Mehta, Advisor to CM & Chairman IDAN, on behalf of organisers and citizens extended gratitude to the tourists, participants especially the Chief Guest, Raymond Mullen and said that his presence will internationalize the Festival. He said that the Naga as whole has one ambition and aspiration, to achieve real peace, respect and honour.
Highlighting the significant contributions of Eastern Nagas in both the national movement and the journey to statehood, he urged other tribes to understand the developmental gaps in Eastern districts and support their growth. Mehta called for unity among the Nagas, stating that division only weakens the community. He added that the International Hornbill Festival Edition in Mon will continue to expand in the coming years.
He noted that bringing the festival to the Eastern region aims to generate opportunities and employment at the grassroots level, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the tourism economy. He further highlighted that cultural troupes remain the core strength of the festival, as tourists are drawn to the culture, heritage, and history of the people. He also urged the public to safeguard, promote, and actively uphold their cultural traditions.
Cultural Extravaganza was organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Nagaland under the theme “Cultural Connect”. The Tangnyu Cultural Troupe , Wanching Cultural Troupe, Loung Cultural Troupe, Tamkoang Cultural Troupe, Chen area Cultural Troupe, Longchang Cultural troupe, Ukha Cultural Troupe, Sheanghah Chingnyu Cultural troupe Bung, Langmeang cultural Troupe, Nokyan Cultural Troupe, Phom cultural Troupe, Ao Cultural Troupe, Tenyimia Cultural Troupe , Wancho Fusion Crew, and Assam troupe presented cultural performance.
Indigenous Game Tug of war was played among 11 wards both Male and Female from Mon Town. Organised by Department of DUDA in Collaboration with Konyak Union with the theme “ Heritage Challenge”.
(M Pelih, IA Mon)
