Nagaland: 8 Northeast states showcase cultural diversity at Hornbill Festival

Kohima: Day 7 of the ongoing Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village in Nagaland's Kisama, on Sunday, showcased the rich cultural diversity and celebrated the spirit of harmony of the eight northeastern states.

The festivities extended from the majestic hills of Nagaland and Meghalaya to the beautiful valleys of Manipur and Mizoram, and from the mighty Brahmaputra of Assam to the unique heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim.

The Mizoram cultural troupe performed Cheraw (bamboo) dance, known for its rhythmic use of bamboo staves, and Sarlamkai, a warrior dance symbolising victory. The Nyishi community of Arunachal Pradesh presented Juju Jaja Jaminja, performed during harvest to invoke the deity of wealth, along with Rikhampada, featuring devotional songs and love ballads traditionally sung by women.

Manipur’s Kabui Rongmei community showcased Duisha Laam, or the waterfall dance, reflecting the graceful flow of water, and Kit Laam, inspired by the flamboyant movements and gaiety of crickets after the monsoon.

Tripura’s Chakma community also performed the popular Bizu Dance, noted for its sudden pauses, and the Jhum Dance, representing the various stages of jhum cultivation through circular and linear formations.

From Meghalaya, the Khasi community performed the Mastieh Dance, a thanksgiving dance expressing gratitude to the creator for good health and prosperity, and a harvest dance performed joyfully by men and women after the harvest season.

Nagaland’s Lotha tribe women presented Nzanta, a post-harvest thanksgiving dance, and Mungyanta, performed during the Tokhu Emong festival to celebrate the fruits of their labour.

Sikkim’s Bhutia community also performed the Snow Lion Dance (Singhi Chham), honouring Mt. Khangchendzonga, believed to resemble the sacred snow lion that symbolises fortune and prosperity.

The Karbi community of Assam performed Chong Kedam, a martial dance usually performed during Chomangkan to protect the spirits of the deceased from evil forces.

The cultural event was curated by the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur.

The day’s programme was hosted by Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, with S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, as the special guest.