Chümoukedima, February 25, 2026: The vibrant Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 was celebrated with cultural splendour at the Sovima Village Council Ground in Chümoukedima, bringing together members of the Angami community and leaders from across Nagaland.
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| Participants in traditional Angami attire perform during the Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 at Sovima Village Council Ground, Chümoukedima, on February 25. (Image: X@AlongImna) |
The festival was organised by the Sovima Angami Organisation under the aegis of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The event was graced by Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, as Chief Guest, and Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, as Guest of Honour. Also present were Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, and Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN. The programme was chaired by Keneilese Neikha, General Secretary of APO.
Addressing the gathering, Temjen Imna Along extended festive greetings to the Angami community and commended the organisers for hosting an inclusive celebration that united various Naga tribes. He underscored the importance of unity among indigenous communities, stating that such platforms strengthen bonds and reinforce a shared Naga identity.
Emphasising cultural preservation, Along said indigenous tribes must safeguard their heritage and traditions while remaining rooted in Christian faith. “Faith and culture are not enemies. We can preserve what is right in our tradition while standing firm in our belief,” he remarked.
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He credited initiatives under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, particularly the promotion of the Hornbill Festival and mini-festivals across districts, for revitalising indigenous identity and encouraging cultural pride.
Speaking on illegal immigration, Along described it as a long-term challenge for Nagaland, stressing that the issue should be viewed from a legal and indigenous rights perspective rather than a religious one.
Referring to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, he explained that it was designed to regulate entry and safeguard indigenous interests, not to harass genuine citizens. He added that the state government has framed policies to regularise long-term residents who have lived in Nagaland for decades.
Calling for responsible leadership, the minister urged citizens to support dialogue, unity and stability. “We belong to different tribes, but we must aspire together as Nagas. Unity does not erase identity; it strengthens it,” he said.
Describing Sekrenyi as a festival of purification, he said its message remains relevant today, urging communities to move beyond suspicion and division and build trust.
Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation, reflected on the historical and spiritual roots of Sekrenyi, traditionally observed as a sacred festival of purification by the Angami people.
He noted that while ancestral rituals are no longer practised following the community’s embrace of Christianity, the deeper essence of renewal and spiritual dedication remains meaningful. Sekrenyi, he said, continues to serve as a time for introspection, dedication and seeking blessings for the land and its people.
Meanwhile, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Nagaland, extended greetings to the Angami community, expressing hope that the festival would inspire harmony, mutual respect and collective progress.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also conveyed his greetings, noting that Sekrenyi marks the rite of passage of youth into adulthood and reflects cherished traditions and identity. He wished the festival would bring good health, unity and renewed brotherhood across the state.
Sekrenyi-cum-Mini Hornbill 2026 once again showcased Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and the enduring spirit of unity among its people.
