Time Travel to Nagaland, 1979’ offered a glimpse into the State through the lens of Yuzo Morita, the Japanese ethnographic photographer, travel writer and ethnologist. His photographs captured the people, traditions and everyday life of the time.

The closing ceremony of the exhibition was held on 19th September 2026 at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Bayavü Hill, Kohima.

Addressing the programme, Project Director and Ethnomusicologist Emi Okada said many visitors had come to the exhibition and were delighted to recognise familiar faces in the photographs and recall what life was like nearly half a century ago. She said she was particularly pleased to see many young visitors, for whom the exhibition offered an opportunity to discover Nagaland’s rich traditional culture and everyday life. She expressed happiness that the exhibition had brought together people of different generations.

Speaking on passing culture to the next generation, Okada said that as an ethnomusicologist, she studied living, intangible culture, particularly music and singing traditions. She noted that while researchers could record, transcribe and document songs, the knowledge and social meanings embedded in singing could not be preserved through documentation alone, but were passed from person to person through the experience of singing together. She expressed hope that Nagaland’s singing culture would remain part of everyday life and continue to flourish across generations.

She also shared a message from Japanese ethnographic photographer Yuzo Morita, who expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage people to look back at the past, reflect on the changes over the years and think about the future, particularly one in which the people of Nagaland could live in peace and happiness.

She noted that the exhibition was part of a joint project between the Nagaland State Museum and Japan’s National Museum of Ethnology, which began about a year and a half ago. Within that period, the project had documented Naga collections held by the National Museum of Ethnology, developed a database and resulted in the present exhibition.

Okada said that Morita was extremely pleased to learn that many people, especially young visitors, had come to see the photographs. Looking ahead, she said the next step would be a major exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnology in Japan in about two years, focusing on the Naga peoples.

Project Member and Archaeologist, Hitoshi Endo, also expressed his gratitude to everyone for the success of the programme.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director, Art & Culture, Adela Moa.

In view of the overwhelming response from the public, the photo exhibition has been extended until Friday, 25th September 2026.

(Mainodi Naben, IA)

6th EDITION OF BRILLANTE PIANO FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY IN NEW DELHI

The 6th Edition of the Brillante Piano Festival got underway in New Delhi on 18th September 2026, with Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), attending the Celebration Concert as Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Metha appreciated the remarkable growth and journey of the Brillante Piano Festival, which has its roots in Nagaland and has today spread its wings internationally under the leadership of its Festival Director, Ms. Kyochano TCK.

He stated that music and the arts speak a universal language that transcends geographical, cultural and social boundaries, enabling people from different backgrounds to connect in a shared spirit of celebration and oneness. He lauded the Brillante team for creating platforms for musicians and young talent while building collaborations and partnerships beyond Nagaland and India.

Highlighting Nagaland as a unique tourism and cultural destination, Metha invited the gathering to visit the State and experience its people, traditions, landscapes, cuisine and hospitality.

“We can assure you of warm hospitality. Our hugs are from the heart, our smiles are genuine, and every door is always open to welcome our guests in true Naga tradition,” Metha said.

Referring to the State capital Kohima as an iconic destination “where history changed course,” he highlighted its historical significance and its place as the home of the internationally acclaimed Hornbill Festival.

“Come and listen to our stories, taste our special cuisine, enjoy the blue skies and green mountains, and make memories,” he stated.

Metha also expressed appreciation to the British Council for its collaboration with the festival and acknowledged the Council’s longstanding engagement with Nagaland through various programmes and partnerships. He specially thanked Ms. Alison Barrett MBE, Director, British Council India and host of the festival, for her support, friendship and solidarity towards Nagaland.

He observed that the Naga people and the United Kingdom share a special relationship that goes back generations, and expressed confidence that these bonds would continue to grow and strengthen through greater exchanges and partnerships in culture, education, music, the creative industries and people-to-people relations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Alison Barrett MBE shared the vision and work of the British Council and highlighted its various partnerships and engagements with Nagaland. She spoke warmly about the Hornbill Festival and Nagaland as a destination, stating that during her more than three decades in India, she has found Nagaland to be among the most memorable and remarkable places she has visited in the country.

The Brillante Piano Festival, which began in Nagaland, has evolved into an international platform bringing together musicians, institutions, educators and music enthusiasts, while creating opportunities for emerging talent and fostering artistic exchange and collaboration.

The 6th Edition is being held across multiple venues in New Delhi, with Celebration Concerts being hosted at the British Council. The KM Music Conservatory is among the institutional partners associated with the festival.

The festival also reflects the growing footprint of Nagaland’s creative community and the increasing opportunities for artists from the State to engage with national and international platforms.