The Day 7 of the Cultural connect held at Unity Plaza, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on 7th December 2025 was graced by Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, Home & Border Affairs as the Host and Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor School Education, SCERT as the Co- Host. The event also welcomed Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information technology S. Krishnan IAS, as the Special Guest along with other dignitaries.
The cultural performances embodied the rich cultural diversity and a celebration of spirit of harmony of the 8 North Eastern States extending from the majestic hills of Nagaland & Meghalaya to the beautiful valleys of Manipur & Mizoram from the mighty Brahmaputra of Assam to the unique heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim.
The highlights included Mizoram’s Cheraw (Bamboo) Dance, known for its rhythmic use of bamboo staves, and Sarlamkai, a warrior dance symbolizing victory. From Arunachal Pradesh, the Nyishi community presented Juju Jaja Jaminja, performed during harvest to invoke the Deity of Wealth, along with Rikhampada, featuring devotional songs and love ballads traditionally sung by women.
Manipur’s Kabui Rongmei community showcased Duisha Laam, or the Waterfall Dance, reflecting the graceful flow of water, and Kit Laam, inspired by the flamboyant movement and gaiety of crickets after the monsoon.
Tripura’s Chakma community performed the popular Bizu Dance, noted for its sudden pauses, and the Jhum Dance, representing the various stages of jhum cultivation through circular and linear formations.
From Meghalaya, Khasi community performed Mastieh Dance, a thanksgiving dance to express gratitude to the Creator for good health and prosperity, and a Harvest Dance, performed by men and women joyfully after harvest.
Nagaland’s Lotha women presented Nzanta, a post-harvest thanksgiving dance, and Mungyanta, performed during the Tokhu Emong festival to celebrate the fruits of their labour.
Sikkim’s Bhutia community performed the Snow Lion Dance (Singhi Chham), honouring Mt. Khangchendzonga, believed to resemble the sacred snow lion that symbolizes fortune and prosperity.
And the Karbi community of Assam performed Chong Kedam, a martial dance usually performed during Chomangkan to protect the spirits of the deceased from evil forces.
The cultural event was curated by North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur (NEZCC). Guided by its Motto Unity through Culture, the Centre stand as a guardian to preserve the rich artistic heritage of the 8 North East States. It also Acts as a conduit for cultural exchange, facilitates cultural representation of North East at National and International levels.
(Ikedalule, APRO)
