Marking the 4th day of the Hornbill Festival 2025, the Cultural Show took place at Unity Plaza, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on 4th December 2025. The programme was hosted by Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, and co-hosted by Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture. Special guests included Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, and Surabhi Varma Garg, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (NER), Guwahati.
The day’s cultural line-up showcased a vibrant array of traditional performances from various Naga tribes. The Konyak Cultural Troupe presented Alea-Boa, a dance associated with the Aoleang festival, celebrated after sowing season to mark the New Year. The Sumi Cultural Troupe performed Aphilo Kuwo, a traditional warrior dance recalling the valour of victorious fighters during the headhunting era. The Kuki Cultural Troupe showcased Khulkon Lam, depicting the legendary migration of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people from the subterranean world to the surface in search of fertile land.
The Phom Cultural Troupe presented Moolum Shou, a powerful song expressing emotions of vengeance and hatred after victory over enemies. The Rengma Cultural Troupe demonstrated Khuli, an indigenous bamboo flute music traditionally played by young boys in the Morung at dawn. The Pochury Cultural Troupe performed Eh-ho Eh-ho, a dance by men of high social standing, highlighting strength and warrior pride during Feast of Merit celebrations.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe sang Nongtulukia, a pre-harvest song celebrating growth, life, and gratitude for nature’s gifts. The Lotha Cultural Troupe performed Ekhyo Sharu, a victory dance praising warriors who defended their village from enemy threats. The Sangtam Cultural Troupe showcased Khuya Jing Tsoh, a folk dance imitating the movements of a jumping crow, reflecting their close connection with nature.
The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented Khongpi, a traditional bamboo music performed by female. It is either romantic song for lovers or expressions of deep sadness for an individual. The Zeliang Cultural Troupe displayed Akhin Tung-bu lin, a Chaga Gadi festival dance encouraging girls to join in graceful movements likened to the beauty of a lake.
The Angami Cultural Troupe performed Kehu-Elokhwe, a traditional chant sung during festivals, communal gatherings, and celebrations. The Ao Cultural Troupe showcased Shuzung Saiba, the Entada or Matchbox Bean Game traditionally played by village children, symbolising unity and joy. The Chang Cultural Troupe presented Lo-Chia, a spirited folk dance celebrating beauty, camaraderie, and community pride.
The Chakhesang Cultural Troupe performed Nyekro Kuvu Li, a work song sung while breaking soil clods during the farming season to make labor easier through collective singing. The Garo Cultural Troupe demonstrated Wapong Piksuaso, a traditional sport where participants attempt to uproot bamboo using their bare hands to test strength.
The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe showcased E-Khik, an act and song by women depicting the extraction of nettle fibre and the communal work culture associated with traditional textile production. Concluding the line-up, the Kachari Cultural Troupe performed Swdwmsri Mwsanai, symbolising the mythical mastery of all folk dances, reflecting women’s aspiration to preserve cultural knowledge and heritage.
(Mainodi, IA)
