Glimpses of Hornbill Festival on Day-2: ‘Cultural Mosaic’ bring troupes together

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Dec. 2 (EMN): With an objective to revive the culture and tradition of the Nagas, the Nagaland Tribal Research Institute under the department of Tribal Affairs, government of Nagaland, on Friday organised “Cultural Mosaic: Tribal folk dance and song festival.”

The programme was held at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima with Nchunbemo Lotha, secretary of Tribal Affairs, as the special guest. In his address, the official said India is known as the land of culture and tradition and one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

He maintained that Indian culture is rich and unique in its own ways adding that Indian manners and etiquettes, style of communication, values and beliefs are vital components of the culture. He added that even though the people have improved their lifestyle with modernity, traditions and values are still the same.

“These traditions, customs and values together make India a very unique country,” Lotha said and added that India is a secular country where many culture and religions are flourishing with peace and prosperity.

He stated that society should encourage ethnic groups to maintain their ethnic diversity and identity through participation in cultural exchange programmes. He asserted that Nagaland is also second none with rich cultural heritage even though the state and population is small with all the 17 tribes having different languages, customs, festivals, food habits etc.  He further stated that people must encourage cultural exchange programmes on regular interval within the tribes and neighbouring villages to showcase their rich cultural heritage and not only during the festivals.

Various cultural troupes from Ao, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Angami, Zeliang, Kuki and Lotha performed their respective cultural dances and songs.