KISAMA (NAGALAND), Dec 9: The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival continued to draw massive crowds on its ninth day, as the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama came alive with a vibrant display of indigenous games, warrior dances, and harvest rituals.
The cultural proceedings at Unity Plaza were graced by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), and Subhash Chandra Mynam, Territory Manager (Retail), Shillong, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, as special guests. The event was hosted by P. Bashangmongba Chang, Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering, alongside co-host Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.
Celebrating Valor and History
The day’s cultural lineup offered a deep dive into the martial history of the Naga tribes. The Phom Cultural Troupe energized the arena with Kongshou Hokpo, a warrior dance celebrating victory through log drumming. The Chang Cultural Troupe presented Laakbüei Khük Büpbü, a performance highlighting the significance of chest tattoos earned by brave men through headhunting.
Similarly, the Lotha Cultural Troupe showcased Ejan Sharü, a dance reflecting agility and warrior spirit, while the Zeliang Cultural Troupe demonstrated Kamaguh-bu, a powerful display by men returning from war or hunting. The Ao Cultural Troupe displayed martial preparedness through Nokjenjentepba, a traditional Dao sharpness contest symbolizing discipline.
Harvest and Harmony
Beyond warfare, the festival celebrated the agrarian roots of the region. The Sangtam and Rengma Cultural Troupes performed traditional rice-pounding songs (Fürü Thsüh Khidong and Pen Kethü), recalling ancestral practices. The Garo Cultural Troupe performed Rugala Chroka, a harvest blessing ritual led by the Nokma (Chieftain).
Indigenous Games and Folklore
The festivities also highlighted traditional games and storytelling. The Angami Cultural Troupe entertained the crowd with Kere Phita, a bamboo-stilt walking game, while the Konyak Cultural Troupe tested stamina with Rangme Ashoa-Bih, a bamboo-pushing competition.
Other notable performances included the Sumi Cultural Troupe’s Aghacho Le, a song dedicated to the Great Hornbill; the Kuki Cultural Troupe’s Suhta Lam bamboo dance; and the Pochury Cultural Troupe’s Hi-Lo Lokhro Rie, a folk dance narrating the community's history and values.
