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Our Correspondent
Kisama, Dec. 5 (EMN): On day-five of the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2019 at Kisama in Kohima, spectators were treated to various depictions of traditional agricultural practices and various aspects of the unique rural life of the Naga tribal, punctuated by music and dance performances.
The special guests for the day were five times India National Rally Champion Hari Singh, and Arun Kumar Sharma, director-general of the Central Reserve Police Force.
A depiction of the agricultural life of the Naga people was presented in the performance of the Sumi troupe’s ‘Aghixu chine eno ghixu ghili or paddy sowing ritual. The Zeliang community’s “Tekie,” the blowing of trumpets when entering their paddy fields for tilling was another notable item. The Pochury troupe then performed ‘Putsa Khi, zhutsa Khi,’ a melodious folk song sung by cultivators when cutting trees, clearing fields for sowing or when transplanting paddy.
To the delight of the spectators there, the Sangtam troupe played an archery game that depicted war and hunting. The troupe waged a mock battle depicting how villagers behead enemies. Here the performers depicted who the vanquished side mourns while the victors celebrate the victory.
Also, the Ao and Yimchungrii cultural troupes depicted paddy threshing and millet harvest and showing the labour-intensive practices of the rural Naga villages.
The Konyak troupe then took to the stage carrying water in bamboo containers. The performance portrayed the plight of women in rural areas where there is no proper water supply. The Lotha cultural troupe presented another spectacular performance depicting the traditional methods of healing.
Further, the practice of finding a suitor among the Khiamniungan community was depicted by the community’s members while the Angami and Chakhesang tribes also gave performances.
‘Wapang Kala,’ an indigenous game of the Garo tribe was performed, showcasing a man’s prowess over another.
Further, the Rengma troupe performed a folk song which praised warriors for their protection and the rich for their providence in times of need. Likewise, the Kachari cultural troupe performed a folk dance at the event.
The IPR also gave updates about some of the attractions and events at the Hornbill Festival.
The Bamboo Pavilion at the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, provides an opportunity every year to local entrepreneurs to sell and promote their products.
Altogether there are 112 stalls with around 40 entrepreneurs who are setting up stalls this year for the first time. The Bamboo Pavilion is managed by the department of Industries & Commerce.
Mhoyamo Jungio, proprietor of the Latex Goods Manufacturing unit, stated to be one of the first rubber manufacturing units in the Northeast region, said he hopes to not just sell but also promote and advertise his goods through the Hornbill festival.
So far, he said, buyers from Assam, Calcutta, and Manipur have shown interest in purchasing from his unit. Jungio also supplies rubber bands to banks in Kohima and Dimapur.
Akaa Organic Tea is produced from Ajiqami village in Zunheboto district. The group is at the Hornbill festival for the third time. It is a family run business which was started 25 years ago. Ahuka Wokhami is the proprietor of Akaa Organic tea, which has been growing and making tea through sustainable organic farming. Green tea, black tea and flavoured tea in the flavours of vanilla, spice, fruit, and flowers etc are available at the stall.
Another stall is Disong Designs based in Kohima. The proprietor of Disong Designs is Chiset, who started the business the previous year. Currently, there are 12 employees working with him. Disong Designs deals in stitching, prints, water bottles, pouches, and foldable bags among other products.
A talent competition, Voice of Kids Carnival, was conducted as part of the fifth day of the Hornbill Festival on December 5 at the Children’s Park in Kisama village. The event was conceptualised and managed by Synergy Group Enterprise with the support of the department of Tourism, updates stated.
Synergy Group Enterprise issued a press release on Thursday informing about the event.
Chumrenthung Humtsoe from St. Mary’s higher secondary school in Kohima bagged the first position, which carried a cash prize of INR 10,000 with a certificate. The runner-up was Vilakhono Zashümo from St Paul School, who won a cash prize of INR 5000 with a certificate. Elironi Humtsoe, a six-year-old, was awarded the youngest participant prize of the event, updates stated.
The judges were Gugu Sekhose, winner of the National Guitarist Contest for 2008 and 2012, and Seyievinuo Chuzho, a singer and CEO of Deliverance Ministry Nagaland, the updates stated.