Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 5
A light-hearted moment at the ongoing Hornbill Festival of tourists attempting the Naga war-cry has unexpectedly turned into a social media argument.
The clips, widely circulated as Instagram reels, show visitors from different parts of India taking part in a war-cry challenge, with some struggling to replicate the pitch and cadence while a few performing convincingly.
The challenge was held shortly after the formal inter-tribe yelling/war-cry competition held on Day 4 of the festival, in which Qhegholi Chishi from the Sumi community, the only woman participant, won the title. The informal segment for tourists, however, triggered outrage online, raising questions on whether the backlash reflects informed cultural concern or an unexamined form of cultural gatekeeping.
Commentators said the war cry carries deep emotional and historical meaning for Naga communities while arguing that it was once used to rally villagers, signal danger and celebrate victories and should not be used casually. Some comments even accused the organisers of showing disrespect.
Several critical comments described the activity as ‘disrespectful,’ ‘mockery,’ and a ‘dilution of sacred tradition.’ One commentator claimed the Naga war cry was “one of the oldest and most sacred expressions” used by ancestors “to summon courage, signal danger, honour victories and unite the village,” asserting that it should not be treated as ‘a fun activity’ for entertainment.
Another commentator wrote, “Watching people mock our war cry like it’s some kind of entertainment is deeply disrespectful and reflects badly on the organisers who allowed participants with zero knowledge or reverence for our heritage. This isn’t cultural appreciation; this is cultural mockery.”
Amid the online furore, The Morung Express interacted with traditional knowledge-keepers to clarify misconceptions.
N Lolenmangyang Longchar, a cultural practitioner and traditional bearer from the Ao community, dismissed the claim that war-cry traditions were exclusive or forbidden to outsiders in today’s context.
Citing historical practices, he said no strict prohibition existed in pre-colonial Naga societies. Explaining the customary context, he said the war-cry known by distinct names across tribes was traditionally performed by individuals who possessed long breath, controlled pitch and a clear, steady voice. It was sounded after victories, during communal celebrations and dances, and even by women when welcoming warriors returning from expeditions.
“Many younger people, without proper understanding or research are expressing opinions that do not align with historical practice,” he opined.
Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of the Sumi Hoho, echoed this view, stating that Sumi tradition does not impose restrictions on who may perform the war cry, nor does it consider it taboo for non-Nagas or visitors to attempt it. “There is no prohibition in our customary practices,” he said.
While it could not be confirmed whether all Naga tribes observed taboos or restriction on performing the war-cry, Yangpong, a young scholar, stressed the importance of learning about the roots of one’s tradition before making strong claims online.
