Nagaland: Cultural Performances Mark Day 3 of Hornbill Festival

KOHIMA: The third day of the 25th Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, featured a vibrant display of cultural performances including folk songs, and traditional dances by various tribal troupes.

The Ao cultural troupe performed the festive "Youth Dance," a vibrant display by young performers showcasing their talents.

The Chang cultural troupe captivated the audience with the folk song Chonglichia, traditionally sung during the cutting and pulling of a banyan tree.

The Chakhesang cultural troupe presented a commemorative performance celebrating life, continuity, and the enduring bonds between families, clans, and the land.

Meanwhile, the Khiamniungan cultural troupe showcased Noklie, depicting inter-village rivalry where brave men defend their village.

The Garo cultural troupe performed the folk song Bade Dake Na’Ade, while the Konyak cultural troupe demonstrated Pangnyuhalok, a song and dance promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual support.

The Lotha cultural troupe performed Tssoktsu Khen, a rice-pounding folk song sung during rice processing.

The Phom cultural troupe presented Yongtap, symbolizing living stone boulders, and the Sangtam cultural troupe performed the victory dance Nyichiba Akoh Khi.

The Angami troupe demonstrated Tholi, an indigenous game for women, while the Rengma troupe performed Ayi Kechu Khwi, a song for clearing and plowing fields before sowing seeds.

The Pochury cultural troupe performed Atitidoh, a dance honoring warriors' courage and signifying new beginnings.

The Sumi cultural troupe demonstrated Aghikutsu Kulu, a headhunting ritual historically tied to festivals, emphasizing ancestral bravery.

The Tikhir troupe performed Lasu Nyiong Nyiong, a friendship song, and the Kachari troupe exhibited the folk dance Bai Bin, accompanied by traditional instruments like the bin, suphen (flute), and kharam (drum), performed during the Bishu festival.

The Yimkhiung cultural troupe presented Thunyo Khun, a festive song celebrating community feasting with traditional brews and meat, while the Kuki troupe performed Khulkon Lam, symbolizing the Kukis’ search for a habitable land.

The morning session concluded with the Zeliang cultural troupe’s mass dance Chariu Taubo, a spirited celebration by both men and women holding leaves in their hands.

In the afternoon session, performances continued with the Yimkhiung cultural troupe’s special song and dance marking the 25th Hornbill Festival’s Silver Jubilee.

The Kachari troupe presented the colorful Baidima folk dance, symbolizing harmony and joy.

The renowned Japanese drumming ensemble Drum Tao delivered an enthralling performance integrating music, martial arts, dance, and storytelling.

The Konyak cultural troupe performed the romantic folk song and dance Maipong Lokpu, celebrating the beauty of young men and women.

The Tikhir troupe performed Sangso, Hornbill Nyi Nyileitu, a commemorative song welcoming all to the festival.

The Sumi cultural troupe entertained with Sholuba Kiche, a ritual performed before war or hunting. The Sangtam troupe presented Lutang Khidong, a song sung during jungle clearing for jhum cultivation.

The Rengma cultural troupe performed the Ngada Dance, marking the end of the agricultural cycle during the Ngada Festival.

The Phom troupe presented Chukchela, showcasing women pounding rice using wooden mortars and pestles.

The Khiamniungan troupe sang Neulu Zui, a babysitting lullaby, while the Lotha troupe demonstrated Eramoren Khyo Khung Rukhung, a victory stone-pulling tradition of their ancestors.

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