The 25th Hornbill Festival successfully concluded a 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural legacy on Tuesday with a stunning closing ceremony held at Kisama’s Main Arena. Temjen Imna Along, the festival’s host and Nagaland’s Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, gave a concluding statement in which he credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s inspiring leadership for the event’s success. Along said, “The Hornbill Festival extends to humanity, transcending cultural and tribal ties,” highlighting the people’s oneness, spirituality, and shared passion. Along praised the Art and Culture department, under the direction of Advisor K. Konngam Konyak, for showcasing Nagaland’s craftsmen’s creations on a global scale.
The minister praised the success of the festival and the contributions of local churches, Nagaland citizens, media partners, and worldwide collaborators. The festival’s conclusion was marked by the lighting of the ceremonial bonfire by Along, Miss Nagaland 2024 Anon Konyak, and pageant runners-up, as well as cultural presentations and musical performances. Under the theme “Cultural Connect,” several cultural troupes presented an amazing display of Nagaland’s cultural diversity on the last day.
W. Chingang Konyak, DUDA’s advisor for Geology & Mining, co-hosted the morning session, which included engaging cultural performances. The Ao group performed the Watemdong cultural dance, the Khiamniungan troupe did the Jamhang folk dance, and the Sumi troupe performed the Aphilo Kuwo (victory dance). In remembrance of Phom troupe, Garo troupe played Dim Dim Chong (Wangala Folk Song). Actor and film producer Zayed Sanjay Khan, Rohit Gopakumar, and Baushuan Ger, Ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, honored the afternoon session.
