Mon, Dec 9: The second day of the International Hornbill Festival – Mon Edition 2025 witnessed a distinguished international presence as Raymond Mullen, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Ireland, graced the celebrations as Chief Guest at the Konyak Heritage Complex.
The event was hosted by Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA and Chairman DPDB, Mon, and attended by prominent dignitaries including Abu Mehta (Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman, IDAN), Kupu Shohe (Chairman, NSMDC), Theja Meru (Chairman, TAFMA), Obed Quinker (Chairman, Nagaland Honey Mission) and Wanphong Konyak (Chairperson, Bio Resource Mission).
International Guest Lauds Konyak Culture
In his address, Chief Guest Raymond Mullen expressed heartfelt gratitude for being part of the festival. He praised the rich cultural traditions of the Konyaks, adding that such celebrations “inspire creativity and cultural preservation.” He commended Nagaland’s efforts to showcase indigenous heritage to the world.
Hornbill Festival: A Platform Beyond Celebration
In his welcome remarks, host Y. Mankhao Konyak extended gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his visionary decision to expand the Hornbill Festival beyond Kisama. He stressed that the festival is more than an annual event - it is a cultural platform that fosters unity, tourism growth, and heritage preservation.
He highlighted a key milestone achieved under the present government: the documentation of traditional Naga attire, released on December 1 during the Statehood Day celebrations in Kohima. He further announced the government’s readiness to support research on traditional culture and ornaments, ensuring long-term cultural preservation.
Calling on the youth, artisans, and communities, he urged everyone to use the festival as an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen intercultural dialogue, and celebrate Nagaland’s diverse cultural identity.
Unity, Growth and Cultural Pride
Advisor Abu Mehta, speaking on behalf of the organisers and citizens, expressed gratitude to tourists, performers, and especially the Chief Guest. He remarked that Mullen’s presence helps “internationalise the festival” and elevate Nagaland’s cultural identity globally.
He underscored the crucial contributions of Eastern Nagas in the national movement and during Nagaland’s journey to statehood, urging other tribes to recognise developmental gaps in the eastern region and support growth. He emphasised that unity remains the cornerstone of Naga aspirations.
Mehta stated that hosting the festival in Mon is aimed at creating grassroots opportunities and employment, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the tourism-driven economy. He added that cultural troupes remain the “core strength” of the Hornbill Festival, as visitors are primarily drawn to the culture, heritage and history of the people.
Cultural Extravaganza Brings the Day Alive
Under the theme “Cultural Connect,” the Department of Art and Culture organised an extensive cultural showcase. Performances included:
• Tangnyu Cultural Troupe
• Wanching Cultural Troupe
• Loung Cultural Troupe
• Tamkoang Cultural Troupe
• Chen Area Cultural Troupe
• Longchang Cultural Troupe
• Ukha Cultural Troupe
• Sheanghah Chingnyu Cultural Troupe
• Bung & Langmeang Cultural Troupes
• Nokyan Cultural Troupe
• Phom Cultural Troupe
• Ao Cultural Troupe
• Tenyimia Cultural Troupe
• Wancho Fusion Crew
• Assam Troupe
The day's events concluded with Indigenous Tug-of-War competitions for both men and women from 11 wards of Mon Town, organised by the Department of DUDA in collaboration with Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge.”
The International Hornbill Festival – Mon Edition continues to shine as a dynamic celebration of cultural pride, global engagement, and community unity.
