Bishu Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival 2026 kicks off at the playground of Government High School, Dhansiripar.
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DIMAPUR — The 18th Bishu Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival 2026 kicked off at the playground of Government High School, Dhansiripar, in Chümoukedima district, on Tuesday.
Bishu is a post-harvest festival of the Dimasa community.
Addressing the festive gathering, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guard, CL John stated that festivals such as Bishu and the Hornbill festival serve as important platforms for unity, reconciliation and shared identity among the diverse tribes of Nagaland, a DIPR report stated.
Highlighting the essence of the festival, the minister said that merrymaking, music, dance and food are integral to Bishu, while also providing an opportunity for reconciliation.
John urged all communities to forgive, forget differences and move forward together.
Emphasising the need to remove tribalism and factionalism, he called upon the people to strive for peace and unity for the economic progress of the state.
The minister described the Hornbill Festival as the ‘Festival of unity,’ saying it brings together all Nagaland tribes on one platform, allowing them to celebrate their diversity with a unified voice.
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He noted that such festivals foster mutual respect, understanding and harmony, and help bridge differences among communities.
Short speeches were also delivered by special invitees Zhato Kimho, president of Chakroma Public Organiation; Vikato Achumi, president of Wetern Sumi Hoho; Thamlong Phom, president of Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Union Dimapur, and CK Bill Mech, president of Kachari Tribe Council, Nagaland.
Earlier, the programme began with the Bishu prayer led by Lemsen Hojai, vice presidentof KRPC, followed by a welcome address by Ditush Naben, president of Dimasa Public Organisation, Nagaland.
SK Khemprai, advisor of Kachari Tribal Council, Nagaland, extended Bishu greetings, and cultural dances were presented by Doyapur cultural troupe and Sumi cultural troupe.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Robert Khemprai, general secretary of DPON.
The minister also inaugurated the exhibition stalls which showcased ethnic cuisine and traditional attires from 10 Dimasa villages, with participation from local entrepreneurs, self help groups and women of the Dimasa community.
The two-day festival is organised by the Dimasa Public Organisation, Nagaland, in collaboration with Nagaland Tourism department.