Hornbill Festival 2024 concludes in Nagaland with cultural performances

The 25th edition of Nagalandrsquos 10day long Hornbill Festival culminated on Tuesday with a grand closing ceremony at Naga heritage village Kisama which featured a colourful fusion of the statersquos folk songs and dancesCultural presentations and performances by several groups showcased a mesmerising blend of traditions music and danceThe silver jubilee edition of the famous tourism festival drew visitors from across the worldAddressing the closing ceremony the states Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along highlighted the spirit of unity and prosperity that the event represented for the people of Nagaland ldquoUnder the dynamic leadership of our Honorable Chief Minister we have seen the Hornbill Festival grow from a tribal celebration to an event that resonates with unity spirituality and collective prosperityrdquo he saidHe also stressed the importance of the international participation with the United States the United Kingdom Japan and Peru as country partners and Sikkim and Telangana as state partners of the festival ldquoThese collaborations were celebrated for fostering stronger international ties and cultural exchangerdquo the minister saidCultural performances at Hornbill FestivalThroughout the 10 days of the festival several cultural performances narrating stories and showcasing heritage captivated audiences The closing programme was no differentThe cultural extravaganza included Thele Lu folk song by Chakhesang Cultural Troupe which is traditionally sung by the men of the village while moving from place to placeTitse Nyeh Khidong a millet harvesting song performed by Sangtam Cultural Troupe is unique and quite popular with a distinct melodyZakhama Kehou folk song showcased by Angami Cultural Troupe is usually sung by the youth when they come together in a groupAphiloKuwo a warrior dance by the Sumi Cultural Troupe is a traditional dance of the Sumi Tribe performed during important occasions and festivals like Tuluni and AhunaThe commemorative performance by Phom Cultural troupe Pangital presented the story of a woman who singlehandedly killed her enemies through her wit courage and poiseDim Dim Chong by Garo Cultural Troupe is a folk song of the Garos which is sung and performed as a theme during the Wangala festivalOther highlights of Hornbill FestivalBesides daily performances of cultural troupes from the northeastern states other highlights of the Hornbill Festival included sale of local products handloom and handicrafts artworks horticulture traditional stone pulling ceremony film festival photo fest heritage walk kidsrsquo carnival indigenous games and sports festival etcLocal cuisine food festival adventure outdoor activities mountain biking and Bamboo Carnival were the other important attractions of the annual gala celebration which began on December 1With Agency inputs