Stone Pulling Ceremony was hosted by the Chief Minister of Nagaland in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland at Touphema Village, Kohima on 5th December 2025. The ceremony is a major event of the on-going 26th Edition of Hornbill Festival that witnessed the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Government of India, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, as the Chief Guest.
Scindia in his address said that the Stone pulling ceremony was not a task for the participants but embodies the combination of union of Body, mind, soul, heart and spirit. He thanked the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and the people of the State for inviting him at the most important Ceremony of Nagaland and a day full of culture and emotion across the length and breadth of India.
In Commemoration of Hornbill Stone pulling, a Cultural extravaganza was held at Touphe Phezou Resort where Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, extended his warmth greetings to the Union Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and thanked him for being part of the Festival.
The programme commenced with an invocation by Dr. Gelhou Seyie, Folk Dance was presented by Gilead students Touphema; Dzülhami cultural troupe; Tesophenyu Cultural troupe and Lazami Cultural troupe. Folk song greetings were presented by zhadima Cultural troupe and Botsa Women group. The programme was compered by Khriemenuo Kense and Shürhozelie Seyie.
Earlier, Rev. Rüdilhou Rio invoked God’s blessing followed by a welcome address by Pfüduolhou Kense, Chairman of Touphema Village Council. A ritual blessings was offered by Kevikhe Serie, GB Touphema Village.
(Akamla, IA Chiephobozou)
