Ukha Cultural Troupe performing Meilha Jang lah during the 2nd day of the International Hornbill Festival Mon Edition 2025 at Konyak Heritage Complex on December 9. (DIPR Photo)
MON, DECEMBER 10 (MExN): The three-day International Hornbill Festival, Mon Edition 2025, concluded on December 10 at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon, with Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu gracing the valedictory event as Guest of Honour.
Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, C L John, served as host of the day. The programme was organised by the Department of DUDA in collaboration with the Konyak Union under the theme “Heritage Challenge.”
Addressing the gathering, Wangsu termed the Hornbill Festival as the “heartbeat of Nagaland,” which serves as a living museum of the rich tribal heritage, social harmony and timeless traditions that define the identity and pride of the Naga people. The Mon edition, he noted, showcases the cultural splendour of the Konyak community, their art, craftsmanship, traditional practices and deep connection to the land.
Wangsu said the colours, music, dances and spirit of the people reminded him of the unique bond shared by Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The two States, he said, are bound not only by geography but by shared values, heritage and aspirations.
Highlighting the agricultural potential of the Northeast, the Minister said the region possesses fertile soils, abundant water resources, rich biodiversity and innovative farmers.
He called for greater collaboration among North-East States in agri-marketing, value addition, skill development for rural youth, climate-resilient farming and promotion of local products at national and international platforms.
Wangsu said Mon district, with its traditional skills, talented youth and cultural identity, holds immense potential for growth.
Host of the day, Minister C L John, said that while each Naga tribe celebrates its own festivals in its own way, the Hornbill Festival brings all tribes together to celebrate the “Festival of Festivals” in unison.
In his note of appreciation, DUDA Director T Wati Aier, NCS, said the Konyak Heritage Complex is the brainchild of Chief Minister Rio and urged the people to take ownership of the heritage site.
A cultural extravaganza under the theme “Cultural Connect,” organised by the Department of Art and Culture, featured troupes from Loung, Chen Area, Tangnyu, Wanching, Tamkoang, Sheanghah Chingnyu, Langmeang, Ao, Longchang, Nokyan, Ukha and Tenyimia.
Male participants from 11 wards of Mon town took part in the Indigenous Games Bamboo Stilt Race and Machete (Dao) Chopping Competition, while women from 11 wards competed in the Wool Spinning event.
