Tuophema, December 5, 2025: The iconic Hornbill Traditional Stone Pulling Ceremony 2025 was celebrated today at Tuophema Village, drawing large crowds and showcasing the unity, cultural pride, and collective strength of the Naga people. The event, a major highlight of the Hornbill Festival, featured spirited participation from villagers, cultural troupes, and community leaders.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, attended as the Chief Guest, with Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio serving as the host of the ceremony.
Calling it an emotional moment, Scindia reflected on his family’s long-standing connection with Nagaland. He shared that his late father had visited the state in 1992, describing today’s visit as both nostalgic and inspiring. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve the Northeast and lauded Nagaland’s “vibrant culture, majestic hills, morungs, and strong community traditions.”
Scindia noted that the traditional stone pulling ceremony stands as a powerful symbol of unity, teamwork, and shared resilience. “Nagaland is blessed by nature, and its cultural vitality forms a strong foundation for future generations,” he said.
The ceremony began with traditional prayers and ritual blessings, followed by the main event where villagers collectively pulled a massive ceremonial stone—a practice historically associated with honor-building, community bonding, and tribal achievements.
The celebrations continued into the evening at Tuophe Phezou Resort, where a cultural programme featured folk dances, choral performances, and traditional Naga music, adding to the festive spirit of the Hornbill Festival.
Officials, dignitaries, and visitors from across India and abroad praised the event for preserving ancestral customs while promoting cultural tourism and community cohesion.
The Hornbill Traditional Stone Pulling Ceremony remains one of Nagaland’s most symbolic and visually powerful cultural displays, embodying the unity and heritage of the Naga people.
