Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival Day 7 highlighted extraordinary cultural performances from all eight Northeastern states, showcasing traditional dances, rituals and heritage at Kisama. The event celebrated unity, diversity and shared identity under the theme ‘Unity through Culture’ before enthusiastic audiences.
The seventh day of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival unfolded on Sunday with a spectacular celebration of the cultural diversity of all eight Northeastern states of India. Held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, the day brought together vibrant performances, traditional dances, and cultural expressions that highlighted the region’s collective spirit of unity and harmony.
The Hornbill Festival, widely regarded as the “Festival of Festivals,” has long served as a cultural bridge, showcasing the living traditions of Nagaland while offering a platform for neighbouring Northeastern communities to present their heritage. Day 7 carried this legacy forward with a series of captivating performances that reflected the depth, value, and diversity of the region’s indigenous traditions.
A Cultural Tapestry of the Northeast
Sunday’s event featured cultural troupes representing Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Each state brought its own vibrancy, rhythm and stories to the stage, drawing enthusiastic applause from visitors and dignitaries alike.
The cultural display stretched from the rolling hills of Nagaland and Meghalaya to the serene valleys of Mizoram and Manipur; from the mighty Brahmaputra valley of Assam to the unique cultural landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton hosted the programme, while Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, served as the co-host. Their presence underscored the importance of cultural preservation and cooperation among all Northeastern states.
Highlights from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur
Mizoram’s iconic Cheraw (Bamboo Dance) was among the most admired performances of the day. Known for its rhythmic tap of bamboo staves and synchronized footwork, the Cheraw dance is both graceful and athletic. The troupe also presented Sarlamkai, a traditional warrior dance symbolising victory and strength.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Nyishi community showcased Juju Jaja Jaminja, a ceremonial harvest dance performed to invoke the Deity of Wealth. This was followed by Rikhampada, a soulful performance traditionally sung by women and known for its devotional hymns and expressive love ballads.
Manipur’s Kabui Rongmei community brought to life Duisha Laam, popularly known as the Waterfall Dance, capturing the soft yet powerful flow of cascading water. They also performed Kit Laam, inspired by the cheerful movements of crickets after the monsoon season.
Performances from Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Nagaland
Tripura’s Chakma community enthralled audiences with the lively Bizu Dance, characterised by sudden rhythmic pauses, and the symbolic Jhum Dance, representing the different phases of shifting cultivation through dynamic formations.
From Meghalaya, the Khasi community presented the joyous Mastieh Dance, a thanksgiving ritual celebrating health and prosperity, followed by a vibrant Harvest Dance performed by both men and women after a successful agricultural season.
Nagaland’s Lotha women added emotional depth to the event with Nzanta, a traditional post-harvest thanksgiving dance, and Mungyanta, a Tokhu Emong festival performance celebrating the fruits of their labour and communal unity.
The Bhutia community of Sikkim performed the majestic Snow Lion Dance (Singhi Chham), honouring Mt. Khangchendzonga, which is believed to resemble a sacred snow lion symbolising fortune and prosperity.
Adding to the diversity, Assam’s Karbi community performed Chong Kedam, a martial dance traditionally showcased during Chomangkan to protect the spirits of the deceased from evil forces.
Celebrating Unity Through Culture
The event was curated by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, which has been instrumental in promoting cultural integration across the region. Guided by its motto “Unity through Culture,” the NEZCC continues to play a central role in preserving the artistic heritage of the Northeastern states while promoting cultural representation at national and international platforms.
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As Day 7 concluded, the Hornbill Festival once again reaffirmed its reputation as a grand cultural convergence — a space where traditions thrive, communities connect, and the Northeast’s shared identity shines on the national stage.
