The fifth day of the 26th Edition of Hornbill Festival 2025 showcased a vibrant array of traditional performances at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima. Advisor for Minority Affairs and Sericulture, Imkongmar, hosted the Cultural Show. Special guests in attendance included Lt. General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, Suneel Sachdeva, Director NFSSA & BP, Ministry of Food & Public Distribution, among other dignitaries.
The fifth day of the festival highlighted the cultural diversity and heritage of Nagaland, drawing visitors into the traditions, history and communal spirit of the tribes.
The day featured rich cultural presentations from various tribes:
The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe performed Khaozaosie Hok-Ah-Tsui, a January festival symbolising merrymaking, sharing of food and rice beer, and songs praising the village’s abundance and the bravery and adornments of its warriors. The Chang Cultural Troupe presented a special folk dance, followed by the Kachari Cultural Troupe performing Bwisagu, which marks the Mech Kachari New Year in mid-April. Their performance depicted youthful excitement, festive rhythms, and the harmonious sounds of instruments like the kham, sifung, serja and jotha.
The Chakhesang Cultural Troupe performed Kharuso Su, portraying the construction of a village gate during the founding of new settlements, and Khuswo Li, associated with the rice transplantation period from mid-May to the end of June. The Angami Cultural Troupe showcased Omapfu, a male agility game played using a smooth round log traditionally used for pounding rice, along with Miro Teshu, a demonstration of traditional fire-making through wooden friction and bamboo fibre.
The Garo Cultural Troupe performed Dim Dim Chong, a folk dance celebrated during the post-harvest season of the Garos. The Ao Cultural Troupe presented Nuknurar Yar, the traditional Admirer’s Dance, once a highlight for young boys and girls expressing affection through graceful steps, songs, and playful exchanges.
The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe performed Tanji Nüt Khün, an agricultural folk song sung during millet harvest, synchronised with manual labour and passed down orally through generations. The Zeliang Cultural Troupe showcased Chareng Lin, a dance of merrymaking where boys and girls, compared to hornbill birds flocking together, gather to celebrate and call one another to join in the dance.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe performed Mulong Lai Khin, which portrays ancestral communication through musical instruments, and Sangpin Yan, depicting cotton planting, spinning, colouring and weaving processes practised by ancestors. The Sumi Cultural Troupe presented Thipugho Gha/Tsusughu Kumsu, a ritual invoking the spirit of rain during drought. Led by the Tummi (seer) or Awou (priest), the ritual involves tapping riverbed rocks to awaken the rain spirit, with sacred rites carried out at Thipugho stream and, if needed, at the revered site Lummi Kichhi for divine intervention.
The Sangtam Cultural Troupe performed Akoh Khi (Song of Victory), traditionally sung by warriors celebrating triumph during the headhunting era. The Phom Cultural Troupe presented Sham Lipo, a game testing skill and teamwork to identify capable warrior-leaders, and Leipo Mangh Heungpo, based on ancestral burial customs and rituals for the departed.
The Pochury Cultural Troupe performed Aho Süro Wanü, a celebratory song and dance presented by clan members during the Feast of Merit to honour the host’s generosity and social standing. The Rengma Cultural Troupe showcased Phünsen Lyu, a joyful harvest song expressing gratitude when paddy fields turn golden, reflecting the community’s pride and deep connection with the land.
The Lotha Cultural Troupe performed Chume Mhee Chum Chum, a traditional game preparing warriors in the art of handling dao (machete) combat and evasion techniques. The Kuki Cultural Troupe presented Lamkol Lam, an age-old social gathering dance performed in pairs, with men extending their hands while women move gracefully, accompanied by drums, gongs and guitars.
The Konyak Cultural Troupe concluded the sequence with Eak Me Gon-Bih, a post harvest children’s game testing strength, stamina and breath, symbolising the joy of rich harvests and the community’s gratitude to Mother Nature.
(Kazihito, IA)
