The three-day International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 commenced on 8th December 2025 at Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon. The event was virtually graced by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as Guest of Honour. Chief Host of the programme Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, with 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, Dy. Chief Minister, Home & Border affairs, P. Paiwang Konyak, Minister Health & Family Welfare, Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor, Water resources and Rusemthong, Advisor to Chief Minister.
The Guest of Honour, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat congratulated the organisers and sent 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 also added that the Hornbill Festival has become a global window.
Chief Host, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland in his welcome address, extended gratitude to all the cultural troupes and stated that the heritage complex was inaugurated not only for Aoleang Celebration but also for yearlong activities. He applauded the organisers for taking up the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition, one of the biggest district in the State, blessed with rich culture and tradition.
He acknowledged the ingenuity of the Konyaks passed down from their ancestors which is reflected in their craftsmanship from gun making and gun powder making to bead work, tattoos, black smith and pottery. In regard 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 hoped that the Central Government would look into the matter positively.
He urged the people to utilize the complex to preserve, promote and execute the rich culture and tradition of the Konyaks. Later, He also inaugurated the Traditional Cuisine and Artist & Artisans’ Corner and visited the Ahng Museum and stalls set up by different departments, groups and societies.
Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, in his short speech expressed his gratitude to the organisers, and especially 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 was a reflection of his motive to promote culture, identity, and tourism of the District. This festival brings people of Mon District together. He also urged the Konyaks to protect and preserve this heritage.
Cultural Extravaganza was organised by the Department of Art & Culture, with the theme “Cultural Connect”. Participants were: Tangnyu Cultural Troupe, Wanching Cultural Troupe, Loung Cultural Troupe, Tamkoang, Chen area, Longchang, Ukha, Sheanghah Chingnyu, langmeang, Nokyan Cultural Troupe, Phom, Ao, Tenyimia Cultural Troupe and Wancho Fusion Crew, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam cultural troupe.
Indigenous Games were organised by the Department of DUDA in collaboration with Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge”. The games included rice pounding rice husking and fire making.
The programme began with the traditional blessing by Lohwang, Pongyin Ahng of Longzang Village. There was heralding of the Festival by blowing Traditional Trumpets, Firing of Muzzle loading Guns by Loung Village and sounding of the Gong by Chief Host, Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
The Konyak are known for their unique culture and traditions. They are particularly noted for the socio-political structure based on ‘Ahngship’. Their craftsmanship in gun making and pottery making sets them apart from the rest of the Nagas.
The compere of the programme was Chingmei Konyak. Invocation was pronounced by Rev. H. Moba Konyak, Pastor KBCM. President Konyak Union, Yamao Konyak gave a note of appreciation.
(M Pelih, IA Mon)
