KOHIMA: Nagaland’s celebrated Hornbill Festival featured an Advent Christmas service for the first time in history.
Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) organized the service on Sunday at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, marking a significant milestone in the 25th edition of the state's event.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio attended the occasion and underscored the profound connection between the spirit of Christmas and the cultural heritage celebrated at the festival. The chief minister also commended the NJCF for introducing the Advent Christmas service.
Citing the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873 and Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, Rio underlined their significance in preserving Naga heritage and political identity.
Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, advisor to the NJCF, delivered the Christmas message and urged people to embrace the spiritual essence of the season.
“The true beauty of Christmas lies in worshipping the Lord,” Rev. Dr. Keyho said, cautioning against the distractions of modern life that often obscure the deeper meaning of the holiday.
The service featured heartfelt renditions of Christmas carols by various church groups and included special prayers for the safety and well-being of visitors attending the Hornbill Festival.
The event culminated with the congregation singing the timeless Christmas hymn “Joy to the World,” spreading a message of hope and unity.
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