Kohima (Nagaland) [India], December 5 (HBTV): Marking the fourth day of the Hornbill Festival 2025, a cultural show was held at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, Kohima on Thursday. The event featured a diverse line-up of traditional performances from various Naga tribes, according to a press release.
The programme was hosted by Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, and co-hosted by Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture. Special guests included Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, and Surabhi Varma Garg, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (NER), Guwahati.
The Konyak Cultural Troupe presented Alea-Boa, a dance associated with the Aoleang festival, observed after the sowing season to mark the New Year. The Sumi Cultural Troupe performed Aphilo Kuwo, a traditional warrior dance recalling the valour of fighters during the headhunting era. The Kuki Cultural Troupe showcased Khulkon Lam, depicting the legendary migration of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people from the subterranean world to the surface in search of fertile land.
The Phom Cultural Troupe performed Moolum Shou, a powerful song expressing emotions of vengeance and hatred after victory over enemies. The Rengma Cultural Troupe presented Khuli, an indigenous bamboo flute music traditionally played by young boys in the Morung at dawn. The Pochury Cultural Troupe showcased Eh-ho Eh-ho, a dance performed by men of high social standing, highlighting strength and warrior pride during Feast of Merit celebrations.
The Tikhir Cultural Troupe sang Nongtulukia, a pre-harvest song celebrating growth, life and gratitude for nature’s gifts. The Lotha Cultural Troupe performed Ekhyo Sharu, a victory dance praising warriors who defended their village from enemy threats. The Sangtam Cultural Troupe showcased Khuya Jing Tsoh, a folk dance imitating the movements of a jumping crow, reflecting their deep connection with nature.
The Yimkhiung Cultural Troupe presented Khongpi, a traditional bamboo music performed by women, expressing either romantic affection or deep sadness. The Zeliang Cultural Troupe performed Akhin Tung-bu lin, a Chaga Gadi festival dance encouraging girls to join in graceful movements likened to the beauty of a lake. The Angami Cultural Troupe showcased Kehu-Elokhwe, a traditional chant sung during festivals, communal gatherings and celebrations. The Ao Cultural Troupe performed Shuzung Saiba, the Entada or Matchbox Bean Game traditionally played by village children, symbolising unity and joy.
The Chang Cultural Troupe presented Lo-Chia, a spirited folk dance celebrating beauty, camaraderie and community pride. The Chakhesang Cultural Troupe performed Nyekro Kuvu Li, a work song sung while breaking soil clods during the farming season to make labour easier through collective singing. The Garo Cultural Troupe demonstrated Wapong Piksuaso, a traditional sport where participants attempt to uproot bamboo using their bare hands to test strength.
The Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe showcased E-Khik, an act and song depicting the extraction of nettle fibre and the communal work culture associated with traditional textile production. Concluding the performances, the Kachari Cultural Troupe presented Swdwmsri Mwsanai, symbolising the mythical mastery of all folk dances and reflecting women’s aspirations to preserve cultural knowledge and heritage.
In another event, the Department of Industries and Commerce, in association with the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation, launched the Buyers and Suppliers Meet 2025 at Bamboo Hall in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on Thursday. The two-day meet began after a short launching programme with Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, as the Special Guest.
Speaking at the programme, Hekani said she was honoured to join the inaugural Buyers and Suppliers Meet 2025 under the RAMP Project of the Ministry of MSME and welcomed the buyers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, noting their shared commitment to strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem and showcasing Nagaland’s enterprises. She highlighted Nagaland as the Land of Festivals, where culture and craftsmanship inspire innovation, adding that the state’s weavers, artisans, farmers, food processors and start-ups embody resilience, creativity and the Naga spirit.
She emphasised that the Meet is more than a marketplace, describing it as a catalyst for collaboration and long-term partnerships. With twenty-four buyers from across India and twenty-two MSMEs from Nagaland, she said the event offers an opportunity to build lasting relationships. She also noted that sustainable market linkages create significant economic and social impact and highlighted sectors where Nagaland holds competitive strength, including artisanal fruit beverages, herbal and organic teas, diverse food-processing products and eco-friendly handicrafts and handloom items.
She added that the Meet can transform cultural richness into market opportunity and support sustainable livelihoods. The Government, she said, aims to enhance MSME competitiveness, enable market access and integrate Nagaland’s products into wider value chains. She expressed hope that the Meet would lead to confirmed orders, distributor links, export opportunities and increased confidence among entrepreneurs.
Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, in his keynote address, said the Meet is a strategic step under the Government of India’s RAMP project to convert policy into partnership and potential into prosperity. He highlighted Nagaland’s cultural richness and entrepreneurial spirit, noting that the state is not only a source of raw materials but also a centre of innovation rooted in tradition. He said that sustainable market linkages are essential and explained that the Government is fostering long-term strategic partnerships by positioning buyers as collaborators in shaping quality standards, design and scalable production.
Addressing entrepreneurs, he encouraged them to use the platform as a springboard by engaging openly, sharing stories behind their products and learning from market feedback. To buyers, he urged them to look beyond transactions and explore exclusive product lines, ethical sourcing and long-term procurement opportunities. He said the Meet’s success will depend not just on agreements or immediate orders but on the relationships built, supply chains established and confidence gained by local enterprises.
Director of Industries and Commerce, P Tokugha Sema, acknowledged the participation of twenty-four buyers from firms such as Eyaas, Brahmaputra Fables, Rural Delight and Universe Export, noting that their presence reflects growing national recognition of Nagaland’s identity-driven products. He also acknowledged the twenty-two MSMEs from Nagaland whose work highlights the state’s craftsmanship and innovation.
He said that the areas of buyer interest, including handloom, handicrafts, home decor, artisanal foods, herbal teas and processed products, align closely with local strengths. The platform, he said, provides opportunities for product evaluation, discussions on supply terms and alignment with market standards. He added that the Meet is designed to prepare MSMEs for integration into national value chains and enhance competitiveness, while also offering entrepreneurs valuable market insights and long-term networking opportunities.
The two-day Meet will feature panel discussions, sector pitch sessions and B2B meetings. (ANI)