The two-day, 12th state level Mimkut Mini Hornbill festival commenced on 16th January 2026, at Maova Village, Chumukedima district. The festival was organized by Kuki INPI Nagaland and sponsored by the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Special Guest Col. Kartik Thapa Commanding officer, 22nd Assam Rifles expresses his gratitude for inviting him to be the Chief Guest in the important festival. He also expressed his joy for the love shown to him by the Kuki community was a lifelong friendship which began from Kangkokpi. Elaborating on the significance of Mimkut Festival, he said he was extremely happy to see the age old traditions and customs that is preserved and celebrated till this day in this Mimkut festival. He also urged the Kuki community to preserve the importance of culture and tradition and teach the younger generation to know the essence of culture and tradition. He also highlighted the importance of Mimkut festival, and the opportunity to know why this festival is celebrated and the need to preserve this culture and tradition.
Wishing the Kuki community prosperity and happiness, the Chief Guest thanked them for their active participation and organising it so beautifully.
Col. Kartik Thapa also inaugurated 9 (Nine) exhibition stalls set up by the various Kuki villages.
The Chief Host, P James Swu, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Medziphema speaking at the occasion thanked the Kuki community and Tourism Department for sponsoring this festival and giving him the opportunity to speak on this auspicious day. He highlighted the importance of preserving the cultural values and promoting it in our generation.
He emphasized the importance of celebrating the Mimkut festival which exhibits ethnic culture to be preserve and promote it. He also urged the Kuki community to bring out the best from this Mimkut Mini hornbill festival: strengthening cultural identity with the true meaning of the festival and to carry forward to educate the younger generation about our culture with love and peace.
The celebration on Day 1 started with an invocation from Lalkholen Lunkim, Head Deacon CRC Maova. Highlights of the Mimkut Mini Hornbill were: indigenous game competitions, KUT traditional songs, cultural dance display by various Kuki colonies and villages namely; Bungsang CT, Phaipijang, Socunoma Villages, Sirhima, Kuki Union Chumukedima. Special number was also presented by Jangminthang Lunkim and Prescilla Singson.
Welcome address was delivered by L Singsit, IPS (RTD) & President KIN, vote of thanks was delivered by Khupminthang Hansing, Joint Secy. KIN and a closing prayer by Lunmang Lunkim, Head Deacon Maova.
The evening programme featured activities like Mimkut Icon and Mimkut Super Dancer. The first day of Mimkut Mini hornbill witnessed around 1500 people.
The two-day Mimkut Mini Hornbill Mini Hornbill Festival will culminate on 17th January.
(IA Medziphema)
