Our Correspondent
Kohima, December 5
The 25th anniversary celebrations of the Hornbill Festival continued on Day 4 under the theme ‘Cultural Connect,’ with an array of traditional performances by various tribes of Nagaland.
The morning session was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, alongside Tribal Affairs & Elections Advisor, H Tovihoto Ayemi, Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC) chairman Prasielie Pienyu and NF Railways General Manager AK Chowdhury as the guest of honour.
Tikhir cultural troupe performed Thülu Tong Nü Koyatü Nong Nong Khin. It is men’s folk song traditionally sung while returning from the fields. The Sumi tribe followed with Akhe Shikeu/Aqhe Kishi, a vigorous war dance performed exclusively by male villagers to demonstrate their strength and warrior skills. Rengma tribe presented Akha Khi Kemvü, a song sung during the spinning of cotton threads, while the Pochury troupe performed Tsupongho Tsutsongho Chonwi, a victory dance historically linked to headhunting traditions. Chakhesang delivered a spirited war dance called Khrokechü, symbolising courage and fearlessness, with declarations of being the village’s protector.
Konyak tribe softened the tone with Nao Aepu, a lullaby sung by women to praise and bless infants.
Women performers from Sangtam tribe showcased Aptarü Nyichiba, a celebratory dance performed in the homes of village chiefs, who, in turn, offer rice and pork as tokens of gratitude.
Kachari cultural troupe performed Barishing Ha Khim Gaiba, a post-harvest folk dance that honours esteemed guests. Phom cultural troupe performed ‘Cheihdungla’, an indigenous song and dance where a Mithun’s horn of different sizes are aligned and played skillfully to generate different musical tunes creating a divine sound.
Angami cultural troupe presented a folk song called Chaze Pfhe. It is a traditional folk song sung by Angami women folk while spinning cotton yarn which is used to make traditional shawls, mekhalas, bags etc from it.
Ao cultural troupe entertained the gathering with a warrior dance performance, where the dancers entered the stage with chants to celebrate with the viewers. Chang cultural troupe presented Theai, a commemorative performance by the female folks where they sing songs while weaving and spinning yarns in attuned harmony.
Garo tribe performed a traditional game called “Anding O’ka.” In this game, two young lads sit facing each other and hold a bamboo baton and the contestants try to pull the baton towards each other. The one who manages to pull the baton away from the opponent wins the game.
Khiamniungan cultural troupe demonstrated Oum Kie Ao, a traditional way of belt making. Kuki cultural troupe entertained the crowd with a mixture of different folk dances called ‘Hal Ngai Lam’ which means dance of healing and rejuvenation.
Yimkhiung cultural troupe presented a folk song called Khohto Khun. This song is about producing a blissful melody and talks about the great Barbet which beautifully chirps in the wild forest.
Zeliang cultural troupe performed Kagiuna Lin, a Honey Bee Dance. This dance is performed during an auspicious occasion where the youth tries to enchant their lovers and win their hearts spending time together in a romantic spirit.
The co-host for the afternoon session was Minority affairs & Sericulture, advisor Imkongmar. He was accompanied by Rural Development & SIRD minister Metsubo Jamir.
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