Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temnjen Imna Along along with the reining Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak, first and second runners-up, Nikali K Shohe, and Kelülü Dawhuo, lit the ceremonial bonfire, symbolizing the end of this year’s festival.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent.
Taking back memoirs of the 10-day celebration of the 25th Hornbill Festival, held at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima, the silver anniversary of the internationally renowned came to a curtain closure on Tuesday evening at the venue’s main arena. The closing programme witnessed blends of mesmerising cultural and musical performances by different artistes.
In his closing remark, Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temnjen Imna Along, who was the host of the 10-day long celebration, thanked chief minister Neiphiu Rio. Under Rio’s “visionary” leadership, the Nagas were and are able to come together in unity, he said while emphasizing that the festival goes beyond cultural and tribal ties.
According to an official bulletin, Temjen Imna Along, also extended his gratitude to Nagaland’s department of art and culture led by its advisor, K Konngam Konyak, for roping in artisans from all over the state to showcase their rich culture and heritage to the rest of the world. He also appreciated the tourism department for their efforts in making the festival successful.
Along also shared his appreciation to TaFMA team for their persistence and commitment, and providing opportunities in the field of music and arts throughout the 10-day event. He extended his gratitude to the uniformed personnel for ensuring a secure and seamless logistics during the fest, the line departments, ministers, advisors, administrative head of departments led by Nagaland chief secretary, Dr J Alam, for their absolute cooperation and collaboration.
He also thanked the Churches and all the people of Nagaland for bringing positivity and taking ownership to build such an empowering brand while thanking the international country partners and state partners along with the ambassadors and bureaucrats for their collaboration.
Later, the minister along with the reining Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon Konyak, first and second runners-up, Nikali K Shohe, and Kelülü Dawhuo, lit the ceremonial bonfire, symbolizing the end of this year’s festival.
Naga tribes showcase cultural diversity
On the concluding day of the 25th anniversary of the Hornbill Festival’2024, cultural troupes from different Naga tribes presented their performances at the Naga Heritage, Kisama, Kohima, on Tuesday evening.
The morning session was attended by Advisor, Geology & Mining, DUDA, W Chingang Konyak as the co-host.
The morning cultural extravaganza included Thele Lu (folk song) presented by Chakhesang Cultural Troupe (CCT), which is traditionally sung by the men folk of the village, and the song hold a significant place within the community, not confined to a single location but performed while moving from place to place which is why it is name “Thele lu”, and in addition, Titse Nyeh Khidong, millet harvesting song was performed by the Sangtam Cultural Troupe, which the song is one of the most unique and beautifully sung and it is quite popular with a distinct melody of its own and is liked by all.
The Zakhama Kehou, folk song showcased by Angami Cultural Troupe is a traditional folk song that the youths sing when they come together in a group.
Watemdong cultural dance by Ao Cultural Troupe is a special folk dance directed and choreographed by the president and the troupe leader, the dance included movement of the body, hopping of the legs, toddling and beating of drum.
Jamhang folk dance performed by Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe is a dance performed during feast of merit hosted by a well to do and prominent person from the village who wants to share his blessing and wealth with the people
Shietu Khin, men’s action song sung by Tikhir Cultural Troupe it is a song sung by men in a group while tilling the field. The beautiful song is sung while weeding so that with energy they can clear the weeds as early as they could.
Aphilo Kuwo, a warrior dance by Sumi Cultural Troupe is a traditional dance of the Sumi Tribe performed during important occasions and festivals like Tuluni and Ahuna. Aphilo kuwo or victory dance is usually performed after the battle to celebrate victory. It also symbolizes thanksgiving to God to bless them with wealth, strength and power.
The commemorative performance by Phom Cultural troupe (Pangital) is a story of a women who single handedly killed her enemies through her wit, courage and poise.
It is said that when all adults and male members of the village had gone to the field, she stays back at home weaving a traditional wrap- around (chi tesu) in back strap loom, and Dim Dim Chong by Garo Cultural Troupe is a folk song of the Garos which is sung and performed as a theme during the wangala festival. The song depicts the richness of how wangala festival is celebrated and enjoyed with full prompt and gaiety, it also highlights about the feast and merry making amongst the young and old.
In the afternoon session, the cultural programme was graced by Ambassador, Taipei, Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC), Baushuan Ger along with Actor and Film Producer, Zayed Sanjay Khan and Group CEO, Times Group, Rohit Gopakumar which was hosted by Minister, Rural Development, SIRD and Co-Host Advisor, Transport, Technical Education, Temjenmenba.
Lotha Cultural Troupe presented Tokhu Sharü (Tokhu Folk Dance), it marks the end of the year long agricultural activities and the beginning of the season for marriage and construction of new houses. The festival is observed as thanksgiving to God and forgiving one another for past misdeeds.
Tatin Tinbo (Sowing of Seeds) was showcased by Zeliang Cultural Troupe, the traditional demonstration of sowing with small bamboo basket on their back with seeds and spade. Group of male and female are engaged in the field work howling and singing as they sow seeds.
The Shangpele (Festival Dance) was presented by Chang Cultural Troupe, this song is usually performed during festivals and important occasions. While performing this song, both male and female will choose their life partner. Therefore, persons belonging to the same clan are prohibited to stand near each other.
Rengma Cultural Troupe showcased a live demonstration on cotton spinning which was usually during the winter that the womenfolk would engage in the process of making shawls from the cotton threads and also Baskets making of different shapes and sizes are made from fine strips of cane and bamboo.
Kuki Cultural Troupe performed the, Suhta Lam dance or the ‘Pestle Dance’.
Konyak Cultural Troupe performed the Shamshu Lok/Oung Kham, Oung Kham is a way of beating the log drum through which a message is conveyed to the villagers as per the situation. Every rhythm is unique and it conveys a message, it could be an impending enemy attack, tragedy in the village, mourning, festivity or victory celebration.
Pochury Cultural Troupe presented Oh Tejonpasu (Folk Song), this folk song is a joyous song performed by men folks of all ages during festival and important ocassions. Men of all ages come together humming harmoniously this joyous tune in rhythm. This song speaks of love, laughter and happiness.
Kachari Cultural Troupe performed the Bal-Khao-Ba (Concluding Dance), this dance is usually performed by all, irrespective of all ages and sexes. This traditional way of dancing is called “Bai kho Ba’ meaning – the concluding dance as it is performed on the closing ceremony of post harvest festival.
Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented the Acham Khün (A Farewell Song), This song is a farewell song of the Yimkhiung community. This song speaks about the sunset, a time that has come to wrap up from this event and say goodbye.
Later, certificates, photo frames, cake and cash incentives were given to all the cultural troupes where the best “Commemorative performance” was awarded to the Ao Cultural Troupe with certificate and a cash of Rs 20,000.
The best performing cultural troupe was bagged by Konyak Cultural Troupe and the second by the Rengma Cultural Troupe, they were also awarded with certificates and a cash of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
The best Morung was presented to Ao morung, Chang morung and Konyak morung.
The best stall was presented to Tepok Oshidak, Nouva and Ao fusion.