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Hornbill Festival's Cultural Grandeur: How Naga Dances Light Up Nagaland

The second day of the Hornbill Festival was a vibrant display of Naga heritage. Various tribal troupes performed unique traditional dances at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. Dignitaries including the French Ambassador witnessed performances ranging from warrior dances to harvest celebrations. The festival serves as a powerful expression of unity among Nagaland's 17 major tribes.

Key Points: Naga Traditional Dances Showcase at Hornbill Festival Second Day

  • Deputy CM T.R. Zeliang hosted the cultural show with French Ambassador Thierry Mathou in attendance
  • The Angami community performed Phita, a festive folk dance accompanied by traditional chants
  • The Ao community showcased Nokinketer, a warrior dance symbolizing bravery and martial spirit
  • The Zeliang troupe concluded with Matha-Bu Lin, a call for youth to display vibrant culture
3 min read

Nagaland: Traditional dances, cultural grandeur light up second day of Hornbill Festival

The second day of Nagaland's Hornbill Festival featured vibrant performances by Angami, Ao, and other tribal troupes, showcasing rich cultural heritage.

"The Hornbill Festival is an expression of the Nagas' way of life; it represents the unity and oneness of the Nagas. - Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio"

Kohima, Dec 2

A diverse range of Naga traditional dances and cultural expressions marked a vibrant line-up of events on the second day of the Hornbill Festival on Tuesday at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, around 12 km south of the state capital Kohima.

The cultural show, held in traditional style, was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang and co-hosted by G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for the Land Resources Department.

Special guests included the Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar and other dignitaries. Tuesday’s performances for the day showcased a diverse range of Naga traditional dances and cultural expressions.

The Angami community troupe presented Phita, a folk dance performed during traditional chants and usually seen in festive seasons, while the Ao community troupe performed Nokinketer, a warrior dance symbolising bravery, strength, and martial spirit.

The Chakhesang community troupe showcased Lika/Thucuikhu, a horn-blowing performance reserved for festive seasons, followed by Khridikhuhi, the Mass Curse Day observance held annually on the last day of the second lunar month, serving as a reminder to uphold peace, order, and harmony within the village.

The Chang troupe performed Bu Sen Oneed, while the Garo troupe showcased the Wangala Dance, traditionally performed during the post-harvest thanksgiving festival.

The Kachari troupe performed Bima Thanai, an indigenous game involving two teams - one representing a “mother” and her “children,” and the other acting as “guards.”

The Konyak Naga troupe presented Shim Shut Boa, sung by womenfolk while pounding rice, expressing the hardships faced by women as they prepare for marriage.

The troupes of Kuki, Lotha, Zeliang, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung and Phom communities performed different traditional performances.

The Zeliang troupe concluded the second day’s show with Matha-Bu Lin, a performance presented during the Chaga Gadi festival, calling upon the youth to display their vibrant culture to visitors.

Meanwhile, at the inaugural ceremony on Monday evening, Chief Minister and host of the 10-day (December 1-10) festival, Neiphiu Rio, had said that the Hornbill Festival is an expression of the Nagas' way of life; it represents the unity and oneness of the Nagas. He added that it signifies the rich legacy, living traditions and respect for the ancestors.

Over 86 per cent of the state’s two-million population (2011 Census) belongs to tribal communities.

Nagaland has 17 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, each with its own rich cultural heritage, traditional dances, music, attire and customs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Wonderful to read! The sheer number of tribes and sub-tribes in Nagaland is astounding. Each dance tells a unique story - from warrior spirit to post-harvest thanksgiving. Makes me want to plan a trip to Kisama next year. More power to such festivals that promote unity and cultural pride.
R
Rohit P
While the festival is beautiful, I do hope the focus on tourism also brings tangible economic benefits to the local Naga communities. Sometimes these events become too commercial. The core should remain on empowering the tribes and preserving authenticity, not just putting on a show for visitors.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited last year, the energy is infectious! The colors, the music, the hospitality - it's an unforgettable experience. The 'Mass Curse Day' observance sounds particularly fascinating. India's northeast has so much to offer. Kudos to the organizers.
V
Vikram M
It's great that the French Ambassador was a special guest. International visibility for our cultural festivals is important. But I also hope our own citizens from other states make the effort to visit. Understanding Nagaland is key to understanding the complete tapestry of India. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
The part about the dance calling upon the youth to display their culture is so vital. In a rapidly changing world, getting the younger generation involved is the only way these beautiful traditions will survive. More power to the Zeliang troupe and all the performers! 👏

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