The three Days introduction of the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 concluded on 10th December 2025 at Konyak Heritage complex, Mon with Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu gracing the event as Guest of Honour. Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland, C.L John, was the host of the Day. The program was organised by the Department of DUDA in Collaboration with Konyak Union with the theme “Heritage Challenge”.
Addressing the gathering, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu said that it’s a privilege and a joy for him to be a part of this Hornbill Festival, and extended his gratitude to the Department of Underdeveloped areas, Government of Nagaland for giving him the opportunity to participate in one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations.
Asserting that Hornbill Festival is the heartbeat of Nagaland, Denwang Wangsu said the festival is a living museum of the rich tribal heritage, social harmony, and the timeless traditions that define the identity and pride of the Naga people. The Mon edition, in particular, showcases the cultural splendour of the Konyak community- their art, their craftsmanship, their traditional practices, and their deep-rooted connection to the land.
He said that witnessing the colours, music, dances, and the indomitable spirit of the people reminded him the unique bond that Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share. We are not only neighbours by geography but more importantly, we are bound by shared values, shared heritage, and shared aspirations. Our tribes, our festivals, and our customs echo a common narrative- one of resilience, respect for nature, and the celebration of community life, he added.
In the agriculture sector, the Minister reminded the people that our land is blessed with tremendous potential that our north-eastern region holds, fertile soils, abundant water resources, rich biodiversity, and innovative farmers. From agriculture and horticulture to animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture, floriculture and organic production, the Northeast has unlimited opportunities waiting to be explored.
Nagaland, with its forward-looking approach in areas such as organic farming, agro-based entrepreneurship, community-led conservation, and showcasing indigenous products through festivals like Hornbill is setting inspiring benchmarks for the entire region. This is the right time for the North-eastern states to work together more closely than ever before. Our challenges are similar and so are our strengths. By enhancing collaboration in Agri-marketing, value addition, skill development for rural youth, climate-resilient farming, and promotion of local products at national and international platforms, we can transform the economic landscape of our region, Denwang Wangsu added.
The Minister also stated that Mon district, with its traditional skills, talented youths, and unique cultural identity, possesses immense potential for growth. Festivals like the Hornbill do more than entertain; they empower. They create opportunities for artisans, farmers, weavers, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. They help preserve the heritage while enabling new avenues of livelihood.
He concluded by extending his appreciation to all the cultural troupes, craftsmen, farmers, organisers, and the district administration for their dedication in making the celebration so grand and memorable, strengthening the foundation of unity and peace in the region.
The host of the Day C.L John said that each Naga tribe celebrates their own festivals in their own way. Therefore, the Hornbill Festival is organised by the Government of Nagaland for the whole tribes of the state to come and celebrate the Festival of the Festivals in unison. He mentioned that because of the hornbill festival, Nagaland has a name in the world map. He also extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for making Konyak Heritage Complex, next to Kisama and added that the heritage belongs to the ENPO area.
In his note of appreciation, Director DUDA, T. Wati Aier, NCS stated that Konyak Heritage is the brain child of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and appealed to the people to have ownership of the heritage.
Cultural Extravaganza was organised by the Department of Art and Culture under the theme “Cultural Connect”. Participants included- Loung Cultural Troupe, Chen Area Cultural Troupe, Tangnyyu Cultural Troupe, Wanching Cultural Troupe, Tamkoang Cultural Troupe, Sheanghah Chingnyu Cultural Troupe, Langmeang Cultural Troupe, Ao Cultural Troupe, Longchang Cultural troupe, Nokyan Cultural Troupe, Ukha Cultural Troupe and Tenyimia Cultural Troupe.
Male from 11 wards of Mon town participated in the Indigenous Games Bamboo Stilt race and Machete (Dao) Chopping Competition, while female from 11 wards participated in the Wool Spinning competition.
(M. Pelih, IA)
