Sekrenyi-mini Hornbill festival set to begin in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 21 (EMN): The Sekrenyi mini-Hornbill Festival, the premier festival of the Angami tribe, will be celebrated on the theme, “Restoring Values” from February 25 to the 27th at Khuochiezie local ground in Kohima.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the chief host of the festival, while president of Sumi Hoho Hekhuse Shikhu will be the honoured guest and Tenyimi tribes of Nagaland –Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma and Zeliang — as special guests.

The organisers of the event led by secretary of organising committee Lithrongla Rutsa, members Shaying Sheu, Norbert Mere and Neidilhoutuo Sechü and co-opt member Zhatuo Rutsa announced the details of the event at a press conference on Friday. They informed that the three-day event will witness several activities including indigenous games competition and cultural extravaganza.

On day-one, indigenous games competition comprising mepfü kemetsa (war cry), kero keteshü (tug of war), thapru ( fixed jump ) and kerie-chatuo (stilt bamboo walk) will be held after the inaugural programme of the Sekrenyi mini-Hornbill Festival.

On day-two, stalls set up within and outside the venue will be opened from 12 noon and cultural extravaganza — traditional song competition, acts, and traditional and ethnic designer show — will begin from 5 pm onwards. Young people below the age of 20 will be part of the various competitions on the day.

It was informed that FBB Colors Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018 Ruopfüzhano Whiso, Miss Nagaland 2019 Vikuonuo Sachü, and Mr. Kohima 2019 Kevingunyü Mere will make a special appearance during the event.

On day-three, stalls will be open at noon while cultural extravaganza on the theme, “Exploring Angami’s Musical Heritage” will begin at 5 pm. Gei-ü artist and music educator Atso Chasie will also perform.

The organisers maintained that the second edition of the Sekrenyi mini-Hornbill Festival is being organised in a different way this year to promote indigenous food, songs, dances, games, handicrafts, attires, etc., mainly to educate the Angami youths about its rich culture and tradition. They added that the stalls in and around the venue will be manned only by young local entrepreneurs during.

The state government have allotted a budget of INR 15 lakh for the three-day festival and cash prizes have been set aside for winners of various competitions.

Sekrenyi, also known as ‘Phousanyi’, is the premier festival of the Angami Nagas. It is celebrated annually between the months of December and March. Traditionally, the festival is marked by various ceremonies and rituals and celebrated for 10-15 days.

Sekrenyi mini-Hornbill Festival 2020 is jointly organised by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and the government of Nagaland with an objective to revisit the virtues and values that were a part of Angami culture in the past and to restore those that will help strengthen their identity.