Highlights of Hornbill Festival day-eight

Cultural presentations DIPR DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 The eight day of the Hornbill festival was also marked by performance of cultural troupes presenting dances and songs showcasing the rich and varied Naga traditional heritage. The enthusiastic cultural troupes attracted the audiences even before the show began by making war cry in unison. The cultural troupes which performed in the morning session were Khianmingan, Kuki, Kachari Rengma Sumi, Zeliang, Pochury, Garo and Chakhesang tribes, while in the afternoon session cultural songs and dances were performed by Konyak, Sangtam, Angami, Yimchungrü, Ao, Phom, Chang and Lotha tribes. Hornbill Cycle Rally DIPR DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 The Hornbill Cycle Rally was flagged off this morning at Indira Gandhi stadium by Angamba KH, Chief Strategy and IT Review North East. Altogether, 97 cyclists took part in the rally. Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and chairman NSAMB, Dr. Benjongliba Aier and Ruth from England also took part in the rally. The rally was organized by Alaphra group under the theme ‘See Green See life - Save the Hornbill’. It is endorsed and sponsored by the department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland and supported by the department of New & Renewable Energy and Nagaland Cycling Association (NCA). Morung - a melting pot of cultures S. Henlly Phom KISAMA, DECEMBER 8 With more colors and patterns there’s a special charm to handcrafted goods, something that stands out in all its individuality. Nagaland’s strength is in its colorful and artistic traditions which stand out amongst rest of the country. Apart from the unique customs and traditions, the Morung system was an essential part of Naga life. The Morungs were grand buildings constructed at the village entrance or in a spot to be effectively guarded. Elders passed on the Naga culture, customs, and traditions transmitted from generation to generation through folklore, wood carving and weaving, to the young while they lived in the Morungs. Announcements of village incidents were made from the Morungs by the beating of log drums. Since adopting modern practices, the traditions of Morung have been abandoned by Nagas. The Morung was also an institution where the male youth were inculcated in the art of warfare, hunting, sports and cultural activities. In fact, at a time when the populace was illiterate, this was their institution of learning. The scene at Kisama village, venue of Hornbill Festival, brings to life the Morung tradition of the Nagas attracting tourists and locals alike. Both locals and tourists can be seen leisurely having a good time at the Morung enjoying indigenous food and drinks. The Morungs of the 16 tribes of Nagaland, well constructed at Kisama, have more than what meets the eye. Though the tradition of Morung is akin, the designs created differ from one to the other tribe and each Morung offers distinctive food as well. A bird’s eye view will indicate that the area of Morungs has been in the shape of Nagaland State. For instance, the Konyak Morung is located in what would be Mon district on the map. Likewise, the Morungs of all the other tribes are located in what would be their districts. Kisama land was donated by neighbouring villagers of Phesama and Kigwema. The name Kisama is an acronym from Ki (Kigwema) and sama (Phesama) as it is located between these two villages. The Chakhesang Morung which was awarded best Morung during the first Hornbill festival stands in its own unique way which was crafted without the use of single nails. Talking to Eastern Mirror, Phusachudu Villagers who are in charge of looking after their community’s Morung say that their main intention through the use of Morung, is to draw attention of the locals and to pass on the tradition of the Morung system. A neck’s peek at the Ao Arju (Morung) is a depiction of modern ethnic Morung. Though the Arju exhibits modern designs, their motive is to uphold culture to the younger generation and promote indigenous Naga food to the tourists. Mopungchuket Village Cultural Society which is in charge of the Ao Arju says that visiting Morungs of other tribes as well is a kind of gift exchange programme for them as they learn from each other for improvisation. The Morungs of Sumi and Phom communities have other side of pleasure where they received tons of demand for food recipes from the tourists in particular for Axone (fermented soya bean), the highly delicious dish of Sumi community and the little known Aanphaet (steamed rice with mixed vegetables and meat—a stew) dish of Phom community. In the midst of the busy crowd, each tribe is busy in its own Morung attending to the need of their customers which leaves them with no time to visit other Morungs and exchange ideas. But the main purpose of the erection of Morung is to promote and expose the traditional system of the Nagas which was practiced by our forefathers though it is no more followed enthusiastically presently. Nagaland’s achievements in cultural fields are a result of its heritage of interactive openness with the outside world through the platform of Hornbill festival. 1st Nat’l Hornbill Dance Competition underway DIPR DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 The 1st National Hornbill Dance Competition is underway at the Old Heritage DC Bugalow, Kohima. The three-day event, being organized by NAFDA in collaboration with the State Government, was declared open by Khriehu Liezietsu, Advisor Music Task Force & New and Renewable Energy on Saturday. The MLA who graced the opening function of the mega event as the chief patron, lauded the organizers for providing the platform for dancers across the country to come together and exhibit their talents. “This is a good cause and quite encouraging to the local and national dancers for divulging their talents,” Liezietsu said. The competition is held in two categories - solo and group category. The dancers for the competition were selected after an online audition for both categories, out of which only 10 best acts from each group were selected from across the country. In solo category, four dancers are from the State and one each from Delhi, Assam and Meghalaya, while in group category, there are four from Nagaland, two from Meghalaya and one each from Manipur and Mizoram. During the first round held, two each were eliminated in both the categories. The solo participants who have already made it to the semi-finals are Afai (Assam), Andrew Dundel (Delhi), Zorinkima (Meghalaya), Akon and Dzupalu Clara Dukru (Nagaland). While in the group category, the teams who have made it to the second round are Elemenz Group (Nagaland), House of Ninja and Wan’s Dance Academy (Meghalaya), Pumkin crew (Manipur), Break Point and Funky Fresh Boyz (Nagaland). The total of prize money for the competition is Rs 2.9 lakhs. The winner and 1st runner-up of the solo category will walk away with a prize money of Rs 70,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively, while the champion and 1st runner-up in the group category will receive Rs 1,00,000 /- and Rs 70,000 respectively. The eminent judges during the show are Arif (Meghalaya), Ajay Roy (Assam), and Kevino Savino (Nagaland). The second round was graced by MLA and chairman MARCOFED, Mmhonlumo Kikon as the guest of honour on Sunday. Governor of Nagaland and Manipur, Dr Ashwani Kumar would grace the grand finale as the chief guest on Monday. NIAPA presents ‘Culture in motion’ EMN DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 The Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) showcased one of the biggest entertainment events as part of its second edition of ‘Culture in Motion’ on December 6 evening at Kisama. The event, held at the Bamboo Hall, Kisama, was a replica of the show NIAPA will be showcasing in New York Couture Week in February next year. The one-hour show commenced with a class theatre piece followed by a top-of-the-line fashion show. NIAPA's very own students put up an exciting and brilliant performance for the theatre piece showcasing the old folklore of the Nagas, while fashion lovers were in fashion heaven as they spent a stylish evening at the bamboo hall. The designs showcased for the fashion show were of the top four winners of the NIAPA Designers' Award 2013 including Kivitoli Chishi, Arenungla Longkumer, Lhusano and Vitsino and Diverse Rhythm, all bringing out new, unique and awe inspiring designs fusing different elements into their creations. NIAPA in a release had extended appreciation to the chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Lt. General and Mrs AK Sahani, legislators, government officials and all the patrons who witnessed the fashion show. “We thank everyone who had come to watch our show and for supporting our initiative to promote young talents of Nagaland and to preserve and expose traditional and cultural values of our people,” NIAPA release said. Hornbill Glocal Film Fest launched Correspondent KOHIMA, DECEMBER 8 As part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival, two-day Hornbill Glocal Film Fest 2013 was launched here today at The Heritage (Old DC Bungalow), Kohima. With the objective to promote and showcase films and documentaries made by both professionals and amateurs, the event has become an annual feature of the Hornbill Festival ever since it was conceptualized in 2011. On Sunday, the first day of the film fest, six films were screened. These include five short films, ‘Dilli’ a nineteen minute film by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh which has won over 20 international accolades; Black Ticket Films production ‘It's a Good Life’; Swati Vishnoi’s “Jin Rickshaw”, “47G, Kothachiwadi” and “Aaji”; and “Life Rewind”, a film based on a young Naga lad’s struggle with his faith, directed by Tiakumzuk Aier. Swati Vishnoi, a filmmaker from Mumbai, who is in the state capital for the first time, shared briefly about the efforts put into making her three films that were being screened at the fest. As with the previous two editions, this year’s Hornbill Glocal Film Fest is being managed by the Naga Headhunters Entertainment, a group of four young filmmakers- Liyo Kikon, Lanso Yanthan, Kele Yhoshü and Ashemo Ezung- in collaboration with the state tourism and Rattle & Hum Music Society. On Monday, the event will feature "Timbuktu", a film written and directed by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, followed by a series of other short videos and music videos.