Tuophema, December 5, 2025: The Hornbill Traditional Stone Pulling Ceremony 2025 was celebrated with grandeur at Tuophema Village on Friday, drawing thousands of visitors, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries from across India and abroad. One of the most iconic events of the annual Hornbill Festival, the ceremony highlighted the enduring values of unity, cooperation and cultural pride that have long defined Naga society.
The event was attended by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio hosted the ceremony, which was marked by traditional rituals, cultural performances and enthusiastic participation from villagers and community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia described his visit as an emotional and memorable experience, recalling his family’s long association with Nagaland. He noted that his late father had visited the state in 1992 and said returning to Nagaland brought a sense of nostalgia and inspiration. The Union Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with responsibilities related to the Northeast and praised Nagaland for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and strong community traditions.
He emphasized that the traditional stone pulling ceremony symbolizes the spirit of teamwork, collective effort and resilience that has sustained Naga communities for generations. According to Scindia, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals.
The ceremony commenced with traditional prayers and ritual blessings before villagers joined together to pull a massive ceremonial stone, a centuries-old practice historically associated with social prestige, community solidarity and the celebration of significant achievements. The spectacle drew loud cheers from spectators and showcased the strength of collective participation.
The celebrations continued later in the day at Tuophe Phezou Resort, where a vibrant cultural programme featured traditional folk dances, choral performances and indigenous Naga music. Visitors were treated to an immersive experience of Naga customs, cuisine and artistic traditions.
Officials and guests commended the event for preserving ancestral practices while promoting cultural tourism and community engagement. As one of the most visually striking and symbolic highlights of the Hornbill Festival, the Stone Pulling Ceremony continues to reinforce the values of unity, heritage and shared identity among the Naga people while offering visitors a glimpse into the richness of Nagaland’s living traditions.
